Microporous insulation

Q: What is the difference between a microporous and nanoporous thermal insulator?

Final Advanced Materials' microporous insulators have sub-micron pores, limiting thermal conduction. Nanoporous insulators have even smaller pores (

Q: What high-temperature insulating material has the lowest thermal conductivity (lambda)?

The nanoporous panels distributed by Final Advanced Materials have very a low thermal conductivity, with values ranging from 0.015 to 0.025 W/m·K at moderate temperature (200–400°C). At high temperature (>800°C) these values are higher but are still lower than those of more traditional insulators. By comparison, fibrous insulators are generally around 0.1–0.3 W/m·K. The choice of insulator will also depend on its mechanical strength and on the environment.

Q: How can I avoid moisture regain in microporous and nanoporous insulators?

Microporous and nanoporous insulators are hygroscopic due to their high specific surface area. Exposure to moisture can increase thermal conductivity and even destroy the structure of the material. Final Advanced Materials therefore recommends encapsulation (aluminium foil) or a hydrophobic coating. Pre-drying (100–200°C) is often required before use to restore performance. We require a complete description of the application and of the stresses before we can recommend the most suitable product.

Our Sizal^® range is a complete line of thermal insulators that open the way to many industrial or laboratory applications up to temperatures of 1800°C. The mechanical and thermal performance of Sizal^® products guarantee substantial savings in terms of energy and costs.

Sizal^®Cell is a range of non-fibrous insulation products manufactured from alumina microspheres. Ultra-light, Sizal^®Cell is designed for high-temperature applications up to 1800°C.

The main component of the insulation is a microsphere made from alumina. An exclusive and innovative process allows the industrial production of this unique element. The internal structure of the cell is a honeycomb-like thread that ensures the mechanical quality of the insulation, whatever the temperature of use. A specific binder means the assembly is homogeneous - this particular construction is light and porous and, consequently, insulating and mechanically efficient.

Main characteristics of Sizal® Cell

Guaranteed use up to 1800°C.
Effective in all atmospheres, including reducing or oxidising atmospheres.
Low thermal conductivity
Low density, ultra-light insulation, easy to use
Long life, no shrinkage or distortion, no decrease in quality and performance over time.
Excellent resistance to thermal shock. Suitable for repeated and rapid hot and cold cycles, allowing production to increase without premature wear to the furnace lining
Good resistance to abrasion and burner gas flows
Stabilised chemical composition allowing a wide range of applications, with no pollution to the furnace atmosphere.
Free from fibres and organic binders, and safe and environmentally friendly
No carcinogenic classification in accordance with regulation EC No. 1907/2006 REACH.

Applications of Sizal® Cell

Insulation panels for industrial or laboratory installations
Furnace linings (electric and gas)
Furnace, burner or turbine components.
Mechanical parts, part supports, and more.
Repairs

Pre-calcination

All Sizal^®Cell products can be delivered pre-calcined. Cooking parts at more than 350°C eliminates all traces of organic binders that may be present in the materials. This operation avoids gas emissions and potential pollution during more sensitive applications.

Available formats

Boards or semi-boards
Customised cuts

Customised parts

Sizal^®Cell products have good machinability thanks to their homogeneous structure. We are also equipped with a machine workshop so that these materials can be used for the production of technical parts. Our machining centres are equipped with suction systems, specific cutting tools, and fastening systems for more fragile parts in order to guarantee the best possible quality.

Technical Specifications

Number	Unit	1260-380	1430-380	1540-380	1650-420	1705-420	1750-700
Classification temperature	°C	1260	1430	1540	1650	1705	1700
Chemical composition (%)	Al₂O₃	50.2	59.8	65.3	70.4	80.5	99.5
	SiO₂	46.4	38.1	32.1	28.5	17.8	< 0.3
	Other	3.4	2.1	2.6	1.1	1.7	< 0.2
Mineral Phase		Mullite + Corindon	Mullite + Corindon	Mullite + Corindon	Mullite + Corindon	Mullite + Corindon	Alumina
Continuous operating temperature	°C	1160	1330	1440	1550	1605	1650
Short-duration operating temperature	°C	1210	1380	1490	1600	1650	1750
Density	kg/m³	380	380	380	420	420	700
Open porosity	%	88	87	86	86	87	83
Resistance to cold crushing	MPa	1.2	2.6	3.1	4.2	2.9	7
Resistance to cold bending	MPa	0.7	0.9	2	2.6	1.8	3
Permanent dimensional variation after 24 hours	%	±0.3 (1230°C)	+/- 0.33 (1400°C)	+/- 0.12 (1510°C)	+/- 0.43 (1620°C)	+/- 0.29 (1680°C)	/
Thermal conductivity 200˚C	W/m.K	0.13	0.15	0.2	0.18	0.17	/
400°C	W/m.K	0.14	0.17	0.21	0.21	0.19	/
600°C	W/m.K	0.19	0.19	0.22	0.24	0.21	/
800°C	W/m.K	0.2	0.22	0.24	0.26	0.25	0.68
1000°C	W/m.K	0.21	0.25	0.27	0.3	0.28	0.75
1200°C	W/m.K	/	0.28	0.3	0.33	0.31	0.80
Standard dimensions	mm	900 x 600 x 50	900 x 600 x 50	900 x 600 x 50	900 x 600 x 50	900 x 600 x 50	560 x 360 x 100

Other dimensions are available on request. Please contact us.

Attachments

Sizal®Cell (269.30k)

Datasheet: Sizal®Cell microporous

FAQs that can help you in this category

What is the difference between a microporous and nanoporous thermal insulator?

Final Advanced Materials' microporous insulators have sub-micron pores, limiting thermal conduction. Nanoporous insulators have even smaller pores (<100 nm), reducing thermal transfers still further. Final Advanced Materials' nanoporous materials offer extremely low thermal conductivity levels (~0.015–0.025 W/m·K to 200°C), although they are more effective than those of microporous materials. However, nanoporous materials are more sensitive to moisture and mechanically much more fragile: they cannot be subjected to mechanical stresses during operation.

What high-temperature insulating material has the lowest thermal conductivity (lambda)?

The nanoporous panels distributed by Final Advanced Materials have very a low thermal conductivity, with values ranging from 0.015 to 0.025 W/m·K at moderate temperature (200–400°C). At high temperature (>800°C) these values are higher but are still lower than those of more traditional insulators. By comparison, fibrous insulators are generally around 0.1–0.3 W/m·K. The choice of insulator will also depend on its mechanical strength and on the environment.

Can microporous insulation boards be specifically tailored using a CNC machine?

Yes, the microporous boards offered by Final Advanced Materials can be machined with CNC (milling or cutting). Their low mechanical resistance (often <4 MPa when compressed) requires low speeds and special tools. They cause fine dust, requiring a dust extraction system. Although these composites are not hard, they pose a high risk of scaling and crumbling: loads must therefore be minimised, and stripping of material must be avoided. The resulting powder is very abrasive, and it is therefore essential that a dust extraction system is installed on your machinery. We can machine these materials in our production shop.

How can I avoid moisture regain in microporous and nanoporous insulators?

Microporous and nanoporous insulators are hygroscopic due to their high specific surface area. Exposure to moisture can increase thermal conductivity and even destroy the structure of the material. Final Advanced Materials therefore recommends encapsulation (aluminium foil) or a hydrophobic coating. Pre-drying (100–200°C) is often required before use to restore performance.

We require a complete description of the application and of the stresses before we can recommend the most suitable product.