What is different between E-glass and C-glass fiberglass fabric

Many people in the field of heat resistance and fire protection are know with fiberglass cloth. But fiberglass cloth also has different materials and classifications. What are the differences between E-Glass and C-Glass fiber?

The answer is the main difference between them is the different content of alkali metal oxides, which leads to different application areas and temperature resistance, as well as different colors.

This article will continue to talk about the different topics of E-Glass and C-Glass from the following aspects:

Glass fiber is an inorganic non-metallic material with excellent performance. Its original English name is glass fiber or fiberglass. Its ingredients are silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, boron oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, etc. It is made of glass balls or waste glass through high-temperature melting, drawing, winding, weaving and other processes. Finally, it forms various products. The diameter of glass fiber single filaments ranges from a few microns to more than 20 microns, which is equivalent to 1/20-1/5 of a hair. Each bundle of fiber raw filaments consists of hundreds or even thousands of single filaments. It is usually used as a reinforcing material in composite materials, electrical insulation materials and thermal insulation materials, circuit substrates, etc.

There are many ways to classify glass fibers. Classification based on glass raw material composition is currently the most commonly used method, and is mainly used to classify continuous glass fibers. Different alkali metal oxide contents are used to distinguish. Alkali metal oxides generally refer to sodium oxide and potassium oxide, which are introduced by soda ash, saltpeter, feldspar and other substances. Alkali metal oxides are one of the main components of ordinary glass, and their main function is to lower the melting point of glass. However, the higher the content of alkali metal oxides in the glass, the lower its chemical stability, electrical insulation performance and strength will be. Therefore, for glass fibers for different purposes, glass components with different alkali contents should be used. Therefore, the alkali content of glass fiber components is often used as a mark to distinguish continuous glass fibers for different purposes.

E-glass and C-glass are both types of fiberglass fabric. They are two common types of glass fibers. They have distinct properties that make them suitable for different purposes used in various applications, including fabrics.

E Glass refers to a type of glass fiber that was originally developed for electrical insulation applications. It is one of the most widely used fibrous reinforcements due to its low cost and early development compared to other fibers.

C-Glass is one of many types used for various fiberglass applications. Like many of the “letter named” types, the letter in the name refers to characteristics of the glass fiber used in the composite. C-Glass fiberglass is among the most used of all the types of fiberglass.

This guide explores an in-depth comparison of E-glass and C-glass Fiber Cloth. Continue reading to learn their key differences and their critical roles.

E-glass stands for “electrical” or “electronic” glass. It is a type of alkali-free glass that is primarily composed of silica (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and other additives like boron oxide (B2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO).

E-glass is primarily composed of alumino-borosilicate, low alkali oxide content. Alkali metal oxide content less than 0.8%. So named Alkali-free glass fiber.

Properties:

It has good electrical insulation properties, which is why it is called Electrical glass.

Excellent strength and is resistant to moisture.

E-glass is also resistant to impact, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes.

It has good thermal conductivity.

Applications: Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and electrical insulation properties, E-glass is commonly used in electrical insulation, printed circuit boards, structural applications in the aerospace industry, and various other composite materials for boats, cars, and sports equipment.

C-glass stands for “chemical-resistant” glass. Alkali metal oxide content is 11.9%-16.4%. It contains a higher proportion of calcium oxide (CaO) and is often used when improved chemical resistance is required.

Composition: C-glass has a higher content of alkali oxides compared to E-glass, Alkali metal oxide content is 11.9%-16.4%. Which gives it enhanced resistance to chemical attacks. Also named Medium alkali glass fiber.

Properties: C-glass less strong than E-glass but has excellent resistance to acidic corrosion. It is used in environments where chemical stability is crucial, especially against acids. C-glass has less favorable electrical properties compared to E-glass.

Applications: C-glass is mainly used in applications that require high resistance to chemical corrosion, such as chemical storage tanks, piping, and other equipment exposed to corrosive chemicals.

E-Glass: E-glass fibers are typically white or slightly translucent in color.

C-Glass: C-glass fibers are usually beige.

E-Glass:

• High tensile strength and durability
• Excellent electrical insulation properties
• Good thermal stability and thermal conductivity
• Resistant to moisture, impact, and weathering
• Lightweight and flexible

C-Glass:

• High chemical and corrosion resistance, particularly against acidic environments
• Moderate tensile strength (lower than E-glass)
• Adequate moisture resistance
• Slightly heavier and less flexible compared to E-glass
• Higher resistance to alkali attacks due to its composition

The strength of alkali-free glass is higher than that of medium-alkali glass. There are many factors that affect the strength of glass, mainly chemical composition, fiber diameter, storage time and environment. For glass fiber products in actual production, its strength is not only related to the above factors but also has a lot to do with the glass melting quality, molding process and equipment, and the type and quality of the impregnating agent.

E-Glass:

Electrical and thermal insulation materials

Aerospace and automotive industries (for lightweight, strong composites)

Sports equipment (e.g., surfboards, snowboards)

Marine applications (e.g., boat hulls, decking)

Construction materials, such as panels and reinforcements

High-performance industrial fabrics

C-Glass:

Chemical and industrial applications requiring high corrosion resistance

Storage tanks and containers for acidic and chemical substances

Piping and ductwork in chemical processing plants

Anti-corrosion linings and coatings

Applications where long-term exposure to corrosive substances is expected

E-Glass:

• Can typically withstand temperatures up to 600°C (1,112°F) without significant loss of strength or structure
• Suitable for high-temperature environments in industrial settings

C-Glass:

• Slightly lower temperature resistance than E-glass, usually up to around 500°C (932°F)
• Effective in environments where both chemical resistance and moderate heat resistance are required

• 7628: Lightweight and commonly used for general purposes, including electrical insulation and industrial applications.
• 3732: A medium-weight option, offering a good balance of strength and flexibility, widely used in industrial fabrics.
• 666: Medium-weight option, thicker than 3732. Normally used for fire curtains.
• 3784: Heavier and high-strength, suitable for applications requiring durability.
• 3786：Heavier and high-strength, thicker than 3784. Used to make thermal insulation materials, fire blankets, welding blankets, etc
• 3788 : Very heavy, high strength and stable structure. Suitable for high strength requirements. It is also a harmless asbestos substitute with good corrosion resistance and mildew resistance. Used to make expansion joints, fire blankets, welding blankets, etc., as well as reinforcing materials for various building materials

E-glass fiber cloth is more suitable for applications requiring high mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical insulation. It is ideal for aerospace, automotive, and general industrial use due to its durability and versatile properties.

Since E glass fabric is softer, it is often used to make thermal insulation covers.

C-glass fiber cloth is designed for environments with high exposure to chemicals and acidic substances. It is chosen for applications in chemical plants, storage tanks, and areas where chemical stability is crucial.

Each type offers unique advantages, making them suitable for specific industrial applications. The price varies depending on the fabric’s model and grade, with E-glass typically slightly more expensive. And C-glass being a bit more cost-effective.

By understanding the specific properties and applications of E-glass and C-glass fiber cloth, you can select the most suitable material for your silicone-coated fabric needs, ensuring optimal performance in your particular industrial environment.