Isle lava could be source of high-tech building materials

A state research organization wants to know if turning volcanic rock dust on Hawaii island into a versatile, high-strength building material can become a new local industry.

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems published a request for proposals Tuesday to determine the feasibility of such a manufacturing enterprise that could become part of a growing $100 million global market and produce building materials for local use as well as export.

The feasibility study would assess the potential for economically viable production of what is called basalt fiber, which has similar yet superior properties to carbon fiber and glass fiber materials.

There are high hopes for such production because PISCES, a state-funded aerospace center in Hilo, already has determined that the mineral composition of basalt rock on the Big Island can be used to produce basalt fiber.

“It’s actually rare to find the chemical composition to make basalt fiber,” said PISCES spokesman Chris Yoakum. “We have the potential to be a boom industry.”

Basalt fiber is created by crushing, washing and melting rock, which is then extruded into fine filaments that can be formed into a variety of materials including durable fabrics, rebar, insulation materials, structural mesh and growth beds for hydroponic crops. Basalt fiber can be used in place of nearly all applications that use asbestos, and is more resistant to heat, abrasions, corrosion, vibrations and chemicals, PISCES said in its proposal request.

Some products, such as basalt rebar that Yoakum said is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than steel rebar, could be used locally and take the place of imports. Other things could be made for export, he added.

One advantage for Hawaii is a sustainable supply of basalt formed by lava after it cools. However, making basalt fiber is energy intensive.

PISCES said that only a few dozen locations worldwide have been identified as having basalt with essential qualities for making fiber. Currently, Russia is the primary manufacturer of basalt fiber, Yoakum said, and Hawaii could become part of a growing industry if manufacturing is deemed economically feasible here.

The aerospace research agency has been exploring basalt fiber because it is seen as something that can be produced and used on the moon and Mars. Basalt, which is made up of varying levels of three minerals — plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene — is very similar on the Big Island, the moon and Mars, according to the agency.

The deadline for submitting proposals is noon Jan. 22. Selection criteria include the expertise of bidders, technical parts of proposed work and the cost for the study. The state will pay for the study. An estimated cost is not being disclosed. A final report is desired by Aug. 31.

A copy of the proposal request, which is being administered by the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, is available at pacificspacecenter.com/rfp.