Context:
China is using basalt fibre-based materials in Xinjiang to protect crops and farmland from desert winds, soil erosion and salinity near the Taklamakan Desert.
Explanation:
- Basalt fibre is an eco-friendly, high-performance material made by melting volcanic basalt rock and drawing it into thin fibres.
- It is considered a cost-effective alternative to carbon fibre and glass fibre due to its strength, durability and lower environmental impact.
- It is stronger and lighter than steel, with high tensile strength, corrosion resistance and excellent thermal insulation properties.
- It can withstand high temperatures, radiation, ultraviolet exposure and corrosive chemicals, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- China used basalt fibre in the flag deployed during the Chang’e-6 lunar mission because of its ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation and vacuum conditions on the Moon.
- In civil engineering, it is used as basalt rebar and basalt-fibre-reinforced polymer for concrete reinforcement, especially where steel may rust.
- In automobile, aerospace and marine sectors, it is used for lightweight panels, insulation, fireproofing, exhaust systems, boat hulls and anti-corrosive pipelines.
- It is also used in fire-safety materials, protective clothing, sports goods and environmental applications such as sand barriers, windbreaks and desertification control structures.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040