High temperature fabrics

Overview: High Temperature Fabrics

Final Advanced Materials presents many different ranges of high temperature fabrics which withstand up to 2,500 °C. These products are mainly used to manufacture protection equipment, pipes insulation, heat shield and blankets. Different width and thickness are available as well as specific treatments and coatings for some items.

Applications of Fabrics

• Thermal insulation
• Safety curtains
  
• Expansion gaskets
• Sealing gaskets
• Heat and fire shields
• Protection equipment (apron, overall, mitts, gloves, etc.)
• Protection systems for molten metal projections

Comparative Table

¹S98 ²S94 ³E-glass reinforcement ⁴Inconel^® reinforcement

¹S98 ²S94 ³E-glass reinforcement ⁴Inconel^® reinforcement

Our Range of Fabrics

Z-Tuff^®, up to 315 °C

Z-Tuff^® are fabrics coated with silicone or PTFE. These treatments offer superior resistance to chemicals, abrasion, moisture, and heat. Silicone is a rubbery, abrasion resistant coating available in gray or red. Silicone fabrics provide better UV, water, and abrasion resistance than PTFE fabrics. PTFE is a smooth, non-reactive coating, ideal for applications where added toughness and chemical resistance are required. Silicone fabric can withstand operating temperatures up to 260 °C and PTFE fabric can withstand temperatures up to 315 °C. Beyond these temperatures, only the core farbics in E-glass fibre will subsist.

Applications

• Insulation jacketing
  
• Welding curtains
• Blankets and covers for equipment protection

Aramid, up to 425 °C

Woven in plain weave, 100 % para-aramid fabrics (Kevlar^®) have excellent thermal characteristics. In addition to their good insulating properties, they can reach a peak temperature of 500 °C and a continuous operating temperature of 350 °C. In addition to this, they have excellent resistance to cuts, abrasion, tearing and acids, as well as excellent mechanical properties. Available in different versions (aluminised, fleece, etc.), they are particularly suitable for the manufacture of protective clothing and thermal insulation.

100 % para-aramid (Kevlar^®) fabrics always include a cross-twill woven version (2 single twills in different directions). Particularly resistant to high temperatures up to 450 °C and cuts, it is mainly used to reinforce protective clothing. Coated versions (silicone, aluminium, flame retardant, etc.) are available.

70 % Panox^® / 30 % Kevlar^® twill is a good alternative to 100 % aramid fabrics. The fiber is an oxidized, thermally stable, polyacrylonitrile fiber. This fiber mixture allows the textile to withstand up to a temperature of 400 °C continuously (max temperature 600 °C). It is particularly suitable for use against sparks and projected materials. It is mainly used in the manufacture of seats for the rail and air industries. An aluminium version is also available. On the other hand, its mechanical properties are inferior to a 100 % para- aramid fabric.

Applications

• Thermal insulation
• Protection shield
• Gloves
• Protection equipment
• Aprons

Z-Flex^®, up to 540 °C

Z-Flex^® fabrics are heat shielding and aluminized. They reflect up to 95 % of radiant energy and protect from high temperatures and radiant heat up to 1,650 °C, however, the aluminized film is not intended for direct contact with temperatures above 175 °C. The E-glass fibre fabric can withstand up to 540 °C. Z-Flex^® fabrics are available in two different ranges:

Z-Flex^® with texturized Zetex^® filaments and a PTFE coating

The Z-Flex^® range includes four products with texturized Zetex^® filaments and a PTFE coating. They offer great value and superior insulation to protect from extreme heat and to prevent burn-though.

• Z-Flex^® A-302: The lightest. High insulation capacity against high temperature. Fabrics with a PTFE protective coating (against water and oil) which increases the resistance to abrasion.

• Z-Flex^® A-601: The most affordable. Medium density, high insulation capacity against high temperature, excellent flexibility. Texturized Zetex^® fabric with a PTFE protective coating (against water and oil) which increases the resistance to abrasion.

• Z-Flex^® A-801: The thickest (1.22 mm). Optimal insulation and protection. Best protection against thermal convection, sparks and molten metals.

• Z-Flex^® A-802: Derivative from A-801, it is thinner but has the same density. Best protection against radiant heat and high insulation performance.

Z-Flex^® with non-texturized fiberglass fabrics

The Z-Flex^® range includes three products with non-texturized fiberglass fabrics. They are lightweight and flexible. They provide the best value for environments in which radiant heat protection is necessary but convective and conductive heat protection is less of a concern.

• Z-Flex^® F-407: Lining fabric. Resistant, thin, light and affordable. Similar performance than rayon. PTFE protective coating (against water and oil) which increases the resistance to abrasion.

• Z-Flex^® F-628: The lightest. Fabric in continuous E-glas filament. Protection against radiant heat similar to the one provided by thicker fabrics. Resistant to operating temperature up to 550 °C.

• Z-Flex^® F-781: The most comfortable, optimal puncture and tearing resistance. Lasting lining fabric with satin weave and continuous E-glass fibre.

Applications

• Fire protection systems
• Fire & proximity suits
• Protective apparel for emergency responders
• Industrial safety apparel
• Removable insulation systems
• Performance automotive heat shields
• Custom fabrications

Z-Fil^®, up to 540 °C

Made from continuous filament yarn, Z-Fil^® fiberglass cloth is a strong, thin, lightweight, and highly flexible high temperature fabric. Z-Fil^® fiberglass cloths exist in different versions: coated or treated to adapt to every needs. It is lighter than the Zetex^® fiberglass fabrics woven from texturized fiberglass yarn.

Applications

• High temperature filtration
• Facing material in thermal barriers
• Lagging for boilers and pipes

Z-Fil^® cloth can be treated with an acrylic coating which enable it to be used together with products of the Z-Shield^® range.

Basalt, up to 700 °C

Made from continuous basalt fibres, the fabrics are used for protective purposes such as fire barriers. They do not melt even when they are close to flames and withstand temperatures from -260 °C to 700 °C. They remain flexible and easy to handle, even if they lose their mechanical properties and become rigid under excessive tension. Heavier than carbon, they are still less expensive. Much used in the automotive industry, these fabrics are mainly used for the insulation of exhaust pipes and to protect motor elements. They are also used in the naval and aerospace industries. We offer coated versions, used for fire barriers. Uncoated versions can also be used as moulds in the manufacture of composites.

Applications

• Exhaust systems
• Insulation of pipes
• Electrical insulation

Zetex^®, up to 700 °C

Made from textured glass fibres, Zetex^® fabrics have exceptional thermal and insulating properties. Composed of inorganic materials, they present no health risks. They are used at an operating temperature of 540 °C and withstand 700 °C. Zetex^® fabrics are also characterized by their excellent resistance to cold (–73 °C) as well as their good dielectric, chemical and mechanical resistance, which surpasses that of steel with the same diameter. Other versions of Zetex^® fabrics include Zetex^® Steel fabrics, reinforced with steel wire to increase their strength and durability. These specific products can withstand up to 1,095 °C. Plus, many different coatings are available (silicone, PTFE, ceramic cement, etc.).

Applications

• Seal
• Heat reflectors
• Curtains
• Blankets
• Protective clothing

ZetexPlus^®, up to 1,095 °C

ZetexPlus^® vermiculite coated fiberglass fabrics are woven from highly texturized continuous filament fiberglass yarn and treated with a proprietary vermiculite coating. These materials are inorganic and safe to use. The vermiculite coating boosts its resistance to high temperatures and abrasion. ZetexPlus^® fabrics can withstand constant operating temperatures up to 815 °C and peak temperatures up to 1,095 °C. ZetexPlus^® fabrics are also characterized by their excellent resistance to cold (–73 °C) as well as their good dielectric, chemical and mechanical resistance, which surpasses that of steel with the same diameter.

Applications

• Seal
• Heat reflectors
• Curtains
  
• Blankets
• Protective clothing

Silicate, up to 1,200 °C

Silicate fibre products are inorganic, and contain no toxic substances (asbestos-free) or irritants. The good thermal and mechanical properties of these products make them excellent replacements for asbestos-based products. With a diameter ranging from 6 to 9 μm, these fibres pose no hazard to health. In addition to being excellent low-density thermal insulators, silicate fibre products are fire-resistant, and have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, even at very high temperatures. They are highly resistant to chemical agents, particularly acids, and to radiation. In comparative terms, silicate fibre-based textiles show superior resistance to high temperatures than biosoluble fibre textiles.

S98 products are comprised of over 98 % silica. They are suitable for high-temperature applications up to 1,200 °C.

S94 products contain over 94 % SiO₂, and function as excellent thermal insulators at temperatures up to 1,100 °C.

Applications

• Heat shield
• High temperature protection
• Production of thermal protection systems
• Protection systems for molten metal projections

Biosoluble, up to 1,200 °C

Biosoluble fibres are guaranteed asbestos and ceramic fibre-free. In order to eliminate the health risks associated with exposure to ceramic fibres or rock fibres for insulation, their chemical composition has been adapted. These fibres dissolve in bodily fluids such as those found in the pulmonary alveoli. They are less biopersistent, meaning they are eliminated more quickly by the body while maintaining their excellent thermal insulation and fire protection qualities. Our biosoluble fibre products are reinforced with glass (650 °C) or refractory steel (1,050 °C). Biosoluble fibre fabrics are available in 2 mm and 3 mm thicknesses. During production, they are heat-treated to limit flying fibres and dust.

Applications

• Insulation for pipes and exhausts
• Electrical insulation
• Metallurgy
• Insulation for furnaces

Alumina, up to 1,300 °C

Alumina, also described as aluminum oxide, is a white powder which shows high stability in response to chemical corrosion. Final Advanced Materials can supply fabrics comprised of over 72 % alumina fibre which allows the products to withstand operating temperature of 1,200 °C and peak temperature of 1,300 °C. Alumina fabrics contain no toxic substances, asbestos or boron. They are non-irritating, and feature no outgassing, in the interests of improved safety.

Applications

• Protective covering against metal splashes and sparks
• Thermal protection
• Thermal insulation of valves, flanges, turbines and boilers
• Thermal insulation of pipes
• Expansion joints

Ceramic, up to 1,700 °C

Primarily composed of alumina (Al₂O₃) at different percentage, 080-0300 and 080-0400 monofilament ceramic fabrics are resistant to continuous temperatures of 1,100 °C and 1,370 °C, respectively. The resulting mechanical and thermal performance capabilities exceed those of other fibrous materials, including aramid, silica, quartz or even glass. They are mainly used in the industry as a heat shield or fire barrier. A Heat Cleaned coated version is available to limit irritations for customised applications as well as flying fibres and the amount of smoke generated during exposure to high temperatures.

Applications

• Protective covering against metal splashes and sparks
• Thermal protection
• Thermal insulation of valves, flanges, turbines and boilers
• Thermal insulation of pipes
• Expansion joints

Zirconium Oxide, up to 2,200 °C

Zirconium oxide fabrics type ZYW are flexible textiles composed of yttria stabilized zirconia fibers. They are manufactured using the original Zircar process by Zircar Zirconia and are constructed of continuous individual filaments mechanically interlocked in a woven structure. This construction offers extreme temperature and chemical resistance in a flexible form. ZYW fabrics provide the lowest thermal conductivity of any commercially available refractory material in their class. They are ideal for temperatures up to 2,200 °C and are suitable for applications such as high energy battery separators, thermal insulation in crystal growing furnaces, and hot gas filtration. They are easily cut into fitted portions.

Applications

• High temperature insulation
• Heat shielding
• Separator for high temperature cells
• Separator for high temperature energy batteries
• Filter media for hot gases
• Protection for threads, tubes and pipes

Treatments & Coatings Newtex

In addition to the standard coatings that characterize Newtex products (vermiculite, aluminium, etc.), they can be treated or coated to increase their mechanical or physical properties or their colour:

• Colors: red, blue or orange.

• Heat cleaned - HC: the fabric is treated at high temperatures to remove broken fibres and binder and lubricant remnants to reduce smoke generation or flying fibres.

• Fabrication treatment - FAB: this is an acrylic coating applied to one side of the fabric to dimensionally stabilise it and increase its resistance to abrasion.

• Regular treatment - RT: it is an acrylic coating applied on both sides of the fabric in order to stabilise it dimensionally and increase its resistance to abrasion, but also to limit irritation related to contact with the skin.

• Oil and Water Repellent - OWR: this coating increases the fabric's resistance to oil, water and abrasion.

• Rewettable - RW: this inorganic coating allows the textile to be applied and shaped directly on site.

Physical variables included in this documentation are provided by way of indication only and do not, under any circumstances, constitute a contractual undertaking. Please contact our technical service if you require any additional information.