Q:Is Zirconium a coating on the AR-glass fiber or an integral ingredient of the fiber's composition?

A: Zirconium is the chemical compound that is used in AR-glass fibers to make them suitable for reinforcing cement and concrete products. Zirconium is added during the melting of the glass before the fibers are extruded. Therefore, it is an integral part of the composite, NOT an applied coating.

The optimum amount of Zirconium has been found to be 19%. Here is a typical range for the chemical composition of AR-glass fibers:

The above reflects the fact that the Zirconium is an integral ingredient in the fiber and, as such, protects the glass component from alkali attack.

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