Basalt Wool vs Rock Wool： Unveiling 5 Core Technology Differences and Engineering Selection Guidelines (Must Read for International Intermediaries)

1. Terminology Mist: Naming Pitfalls and Truths in the International Market

1.1 Root causes of regional naming differences

European standard (EN 13162): Strictly distinguish between basalt wool (Basalt Wool ≥ 80% basalt) and mineral wool (Rock Wool ≥ 30% basalt+slag)

North American convention: ASTM C612 is collectively referred to as Mineral Wool, distinguishing between Type IA (basalt base) and Type IB (mixed base)

Asian market: Chinese GB/T 25975 defines basalt content ≥ 70% as A-level rock wool

1.2 Composition ratio

Index	Basalt Wool	Rock Wool
Basalt content	≥85%	35-70%
Slag content	≤5%	20-65%
Adhesive type	Thermosets	Phenolic resin

【 Engineering Warning 】 Japanese JIS A9504 stipulates that Basalt Wool (basalt content ≥ 90%) must be used for insulation in nuclear power plants

2. Quantum level differences in production processes

2.1 Temperature Password for Melting Process

Basalt Wool： Using plasma melting technology (1600-1700 ℃) to achieve complete vitrification of basalt

Rock Wool： Traditional coke blast furnace (1400-1500 ℃), slag composition leads to microphase separation

2.2 Structural Revolution in Fiber Forming

TEL centrifugal technology (Basalt specific):

Fiber diameter 3-5 μ m

Length to diameter ratio>2000:1

Three dimensional staggered structure density>120kg/m ³

Pendulum method (Rock universal):

Fiber diameter 6-9 μ m

Layered structure is prone to layering

Density fluctuation ± 15%

3. Comparison of Dimensionality Reduction of Perf

3.1 The lifeline of fire resistance performance

Testing standards	Basalt Wool	Rock Wool
EN 13501-1	A1 class（Non combustible）	A2 class（Limited combustibility）
ASTM E136	Pass（Melting point＞1000℃）	lose efficacy（800℃soften）
GB 8624	A class	B1 class

 

3.2 Black technology in acoustic performance

Standing wave chamber test data:

100mm Basalt layer: NRC 0.95（125-4000Hz）

Rock with the same thickness: NRC 0.82 (significant high-frequency attenuation)

3.3 Economic Account of Life Cycle

 

Parameter	Basalt Wool	Rock Wool
Annual aging rate	＜0.3%	1.2-1.8%
10-year strength retention	92%	68%
life cycle cost	$0.38/Year·㎡	$0.67/Year·㎡

4. The golden matrix for selection decision-making

4.1 Three major scenarios that must be selected for Basalt Wool

Petrochemical plant insulation: resistant to H2S corrosion (ASTM G48 standard)

Cleanroom partition wall: Control fiber shedding (ISO 14644 Class 5)

Fire isolation zone: meets the 3-hour fire resistance limit (BS 476-22)

 

4.2 Economic Advantage Range of Rock Wool

Short term building envelope structure (<10 years)

Non load bearing soundproof filling layer

Temporary facility insulation

5. Strategies for breaking through technological barriers in international trade

5.1 Customs clearance password for authentication system

EU C certification: EN 13823 Combustion Growth Rate Index (FIGRA ≤ 120W/s) is required

North American UL certification: emphasizes ASTM C1338 wet heat aging test

Gulf GCC Certification: Mandatory GS 983 Fire Test

5.2 Devil's Details of Packaging and Transportation

Shipping moisture-proof treatment: Basalt requires double-layer PE film and desiccant (humidity<8%)

Ground transportation seismic packaging: using honeycomb structure cardboard boxes (compressive strength>8kPa)