New technology may raise restrictions to asbestos

A research group from the Brazilian Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) from the city of Araraquara, developed a new technology that may minimize present restrictions to the use of asbestos. The new technology is based on the inorganic polymer Coacervato a sodium polyphosphate and calcium chloride compound. The substance is a gel which immobilizes the asbestos fibers, preventing it to become airborne during mining. The gel can be painted or sprayed over the rock exposure during mining which minimizes the amount of fiber dust generated. The limitations are the fact that once the gel dries out the fibers become again dispersed. The breakthrough came on the second phase of the research investigation, with the application of Coacervato at 300 degrees celcius, which has the effect of destroying the fibers but preserving the thermal characteristics of the asbestos. The new technolgy allows for the production of vitroceramics which is a glassy ceramic which has elevated thermal and mechanical stability. The technology has been financed by the government research fund Fapesp and submitted for patent in the Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI). If this technology becomes commercially feasible, not only will help the dust control of mines but also will allow for the start of a new line of products for the building industry, carrying the recognized advantage of asbestos without the risk of fiber contamination. The research group believes that the technology could also be applied to the fiber glass industry. For further information contact Prof Younes Messaddeq – Unesp – 24/8/2003.