Properties of Asbestos

Following are the properties of asbestos:

1. It has high tensile strength along the fibre.
2. It is an excellent insulator for electricity (i.e., it is a non-conductor).
3. It is incombustible and hence acts as a good insulator for heat.
4. It is acid proof.
5. It is flexible, soft and non-porous.
6. It is fire-resistant and the melting point is 1200–1500°C.
7. It possesses good adhesion with cement and hence the fibre can be used as a fibre reinforcement.
8. It is rust-free.
9. Its specific gravity is 3.10.
10. It can be easily cut into pieces.
11. Its quality is critically affected by the length of fibres.
12. It is smooth like glass and silk.