Editing Mineral wool (section)

== Use ==

Though the individual fibers [[heat conduction|conduct heat]] very well, when pressed into rolls and sheets, their ability to partition air makes them excellent insulators and [[sound absorption|sound absorbers]].<ref>Weiner, Ethan. Acoustic Treatment and Design for
Recording Studios and Listening Rooms. "Without question, the most effective absorber for midrange and high frequencies is rigid fiberglass."http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html#rigid%20fiberglass.</ref><ref>Houghton, Matt. Sound On Sound. "What is the best density for a good, fairly wide-spectrum absorber? . . .try looking for mineral wool in the region of 45-75kg/m3." http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct10/articles/qa-1010-2.htm</ref> Though not immune to the effects of a sufficiently hot fire, the fire resistance of [[glass wool|fiberglass]], stone wool, and [[ceramic]] fibers makes them common [[building material]]s when [[passive fire protection]] is required, being used as spray [[fireproofing]], in [[wall stud|stud]] cavities in [[drywall]] assemblies and as [[packing (firestopping)|packing]] materials in [[firestop]]s.

Other uses are in [[resin bonded panel]]s, as filler in compounds for [[gasket]]s, in [[brake pad]]s, in [[plastic]]s in the [[automotive]] industry, as a [[filtration|filtering]] medium, and as a growth medium in [[hydroponics]].

Mineral fibers are produced in the same way, without binder. The fiber as such is used as a raw material for its reinforcing purposes in various applications, such as friction materials, gaskets, plastics, and [[coating]]s.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Heat resistance of mineral wool'''<ref name="competition-commission_org_uk-glass_wool_report">{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/SuperFOIL-SFBA-600mm-Wide-Long/dp/B07NS4MHNT/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=superfoil+insulation&qid=1648067276&sr=8-5 | title=SuperFOIL Foil Insulation Roll 0.6m x 25m - Energy Saving DIY Bubble Foil Sheet - 3-in-1 Sustainable Thermal Insulation Reflective Radiant Barrier & Vapour Barrier - Multi Purpose for Home & Auto : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools | website=Amazon UK }}</ref>
|-
! Material !! Temperature
|-
| Glass wool         || 230–260&nbsp;°C
|-
| Stone wool         || 700–850&nbsp;°C
|-
| [[High-temperature insulation wool|Ceramic fiber wool]] || 1200&nbsp;°C
|}

=== Hydroponics ===

Mineral wool products can be engineered to hold large quantities of water and air that aid root growth and nutrient uptake in [[hydroponics]]; their fibrous nature also provides a good mechanical structure to hold the plant stable. The naturally high [[pH]] of mineral wool makes them initially unsuitable to plant growth and requires "conditioning" to produce a wool with an appropriate, stable pH.<ref name="Alexander 1994">{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=cHT3bMm3njsC&q=rockwool |title = The Best of Growing Edge |author = Tom Alexander |author2=Don Parker |date = 1994 |publisher = New Moon Publishing, Inc. |isbn = 978-0-944557-01-3}}</ref>{{rp|16}} [https://www.futuregarden.co.uk/expert-advice/six-top-tip-for-growing-plants-in-rockwool/ Conditioning methods include pre-soaking mineral wool in a nutrient solution adjusted to pH 5.5 until it stops bubbling].

=== High-temperature mineral wool ===

High-temperature mineral wool is used primarily for insulation and lining of industrial furnaces and foundries to improve efficiency and safety. It is also used to prevent the spread of fire.<ref name=":0" />

The use of high-temperature mineral wool enables a more lightweight construction of [[industrial furnaces]] and other technical equipment as compared to other methods such as fire bricks, due to its high heat resistance capabilities per weight, but has the disadvantage of being more expensive than other methods.