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 

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 mainly used in the industry for the insulation of pipes and cables. As they can withstand operating temperatures up to 1,000 °C and peak temperatures up to 1,100 °C, they are also employed for the assembly of heat protection. Thanks to the silicate fibre with a 9 μm diameter of their composition, these sleeves pose no health risks during handling. Their great mechanical and technical properties make them a good alternative to ceramic fibre products. At Final Advanced Materials, silicate fibre sleeves are available with inner diameters ranging from 1 to 100 mm.

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. These silicate fibre fabrics can withstand operating temperatures up to 1,000 °C and peak temperatures up to 1,100 °C. At Final Advanced Materials, they are available untreated or with a vermiculite coating or a pre-setting.

Felts

Silicate fibre felts can withstand peak températures up to 1,200 °C and operating températures up to 1,100 °C. They are used in the shipbuilding and automotive industry for thermal and electrical insulation, soundproofing and as a component for the assembly of heat protection. These felts contain no organic binder. The fibres are mechanically bonded, which makes the felt flexible, compact and stable during processing.

Twisted Ropes

Silicate fibre twisted ropes are used mainly in the industry as sealing joints thanks to their good flexibility and mechanical properties. As they can withstand temperatures up to 1,200 °C and operating temperatures up to 1,000 °C, they are also used for the assembly of heat protections. At Final Advanced Materials, silicate fibre twisted ropes are available with sections ranging from 3 to 12 mm.

Braided Ropes

Silicate fibre braided ropes can withstand peak temperatures up to 1,200 °C and operating temperatures up to 1,050 °C. They are therefore suitable for applications involving high temperatures, such as the assembly of heat protections. Thanks to their high flexibility and their great mechanical resistance, these braided ropes are also used in the industry as sealing joints. At Final Advanced Materials, silicate fibre braided ropes are available in round or square sections. 

Tapes

Silicate fibre tapes are used in the industry for the insulation of cables and pipes. As they can withstand peak temperatures up to 1,200 °C and operating temperatures up to 1,050 °C, these textiles are also exploited for applications subjected to high temperatures, such as heat protection. At Final Advanced Materials, silicate fibre tapes are available with or without adhesive in widths ranging from 10 to 300 mm.

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.

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