Silicate Fibre

Final Advanced Materials offers a full range of products in various silicate: tapes, felts, sleeves, fabrics, rope, twisted ropes, etc.

What are Silicate Fibres?

Silicate fibre-based textiles have different thermal, physical and mechanial properties, depending upon their content of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Silica is described as “pure” where its total content in a product exceeds 99.95 %; below this quantity, the product is described as “lixiviated silica” or “silicate”. Final Advanced Materials supplies two silicate products, with a 98% and 94 % SiO₂ content, for the effective fulfilment of all requirements. 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. 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. In comparative terms, silicate fibre-based textiles have superior high-temperature resistance to biosoluble fibre textiles.

General Characteristics of Silicate Fibres

Thermal Characteristics:

Silicate products have excellent resistance to thermal impacts, and remain stable in response to high temperatures. Their low thermal conductive and fire-resistance properties make these materials ideal insulators.

Mechanical Characteristics

Silicate fibre shows good mechanical resistance. These fibres remain extremely flexible, even at temperatures of the order of 1,000 °C.

Chemical Characteristics

An inorganic product, silicate fibre shows good chemical resistance and excellent stability in response to the vast majority of organic compounds, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid. This fibre is insensitive to mould and bacteria.

Electrical Characteristics

Silicate fibre is employed as an electrical insulator. It is also insensitive to radiation.

Benefits of Silicate Fibres

Antiseptic
Non-combustible
Excellent thermal resistance
Excellent electrical insulation
Good chemical stability
Non-irritant
Low shrinkage at high temperatures

Comparative Table

Properties	S98	S94	Biosoluble
Chemical Composition	SiO₂ : 98 % Others: 2 %	SiO₂ : 94.5 % Al₂O₃ : 4.5 % Na₂O : 0.5 % Others: 0.5 %	SiO₂ : 63-67 % CaO : 29-33 % MgO : 1.5-4 % Al₂O₃ : max 1 % Fe₂O₃ : max 0.6 %
Color	off-white	white	light green
Average Diameter of Fibres	6	9	3.5
Peak Temperature	1,200	1,100	650 (verre) 1,050 (Inconel^®)
High Temperature Stability	Very good	Excellent	Good
Thermal Impact Resistance	Excellent	Excellent	-
Resistance to Chemicals	Good	Good	Good
Mechanical Resistance	Good	Good	High (Abrasion)
Flexibility	Good	Excellent	Good
Thermal Conductivity	Low	Low	Low
Reaction to Fire	Fireproof	Fireproof	Fireproof

Applications Silicate Fibres

Insulation of industrial and electric furnaces
Insulation of stacks
Sealing gaskets
Production of thermal protection systems
Protection systems for molten metal projections

Products from Silicate Fibres

Sleeves

Silicate fibre sleeves are fire-resistant, radiation-resistant, and have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, even at very high temperatures. Low in density, they show very good resistance to chemical agents, particularly to acids. S98 sleeves are resistant in applications at temperatures up to 1,200 °C. They are principally employed as thermal or acoustic insulators, and for the reinforcement of composite materials. S94 sleeves are resistant to temperatures of 1,100 °C, and are excellent thermal insulators. They are ideal for the protection of cables and pipes against slags.

Fabrics

Silicate fibre fabrics are designed for the production of solutions for protection against the projection of metal and sparks. In addition to being excellent thermal and electrical insulators, these products are resistant to thermal impacts, and remain flexible, even in response to high thermal stresses. S94 fabrics are designed for applications at temperatures up to 1,100 °C, whereas S98 fabrics are resistant to 1,200 °C.

Felts

Silicate fibre felts contain no organic binder. The fibres are mechanically bonded, which makes the felt compact, flexible and gives it a good performance during its implementation. S98 fibre felts are used in the shipbuilding and automotive industry as thermal and sound insulation and as a component for the manufacture of thermal and fire protection.

Twisted Ropes

Twisted ropes are composed of white silicate fibres. With a diameter of 9 μm, these fibres cause no irritation and are a safe and environmental-friendly alternative to ceramic fibres. These products contain over 94 % de SiO₂, and function as excellent thermal insulators at temperatures up to 1,100 °C.

They are not subject to vitrification even with peaks at 1,200 °C. Their excellent flexibility and good mechanical resistance make these products particularly effective to protect pipes and cables.

Braided Ropes

Silicate fibre braided cords are resistant to a continuous temperature of up to de 1,050 °C. They are not subject to vitrification, even at a temperature of 1,200 °C. Their excellent flexibility and good mechanical resistance make these products particularly effective insulating seals. Braided cords are available in square or round sections.

Tapes

Silicate fibre tapes are excellent thermal insulators. These narrow strip textiles are resistant to temperatures up to 1,200 °C, in the case of S98 products, and up to 1,100 °C in the case of S94 products. They are used for the protection of cables and pipes, and are available in adhesive and stud bushing versions for ease of application.

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.