Calcium silicate boards are made of fibers and particles of calcium silicates bound with hydrated alkalis and cellulose to form flat insulating panels. These fire resistant boards offer high temperature insulation solutions in industrial and commercial applications. Here are key things to know about calcium silicate board and their uses.
Composition Of Calcium Silicate Panel And Board
Calcium silicate board typically consists of:
• 70-80% calcium silicate: Provides the high temperature stability and insulating properties.
• 10-20% Hydrated alkalis: Act as binding agents for calcium silicate fibers and particles.
• 5-10% Cellulose: Serves as a binding and extruding agent during manufacturing.
• Up to 5% additives like mineral fibers, perlite etc. to enhance properties.
The alkali binders and cellulose burn off at elevated temperatures leaving a porous calcium silicate structure that insulates through trapped air.
Temperature Resistance About Refractory Calcium Silicate Board
Refractory calcium silicate board can withstand continuous operating temperatures up to 2,300°F (1,260°C) while retaining over 80% of their original thickness. At peak firing temperatures are up to 3,000°F, these boards maintain enough integrity to provide insulation. The amorphous structure of calcium silicate fibers allows transformation to resistant crystalline forms at high temperatures without disintegration.
Properties Of Calcium Silicate Boards And Panels
Calcium silicate boards offer:
• Non-combustibility: Being inorganic, calcium silicate boards do not melt or burn when exposed to fire or heat.
• Low heat storage: Calcium silicate boards absorb around 2% of the incident heat energy, reflecting most of it.
• Good compressive strength: Withstand mechanical load and impact even at high temperatures.
• Low thermal conductivity: Calcium silicate boards insulate effectively through entrapped air pockets.
• Acid and alkali resistance: Remain stable when exposed to chemicals within limits.
• Moisture resistance: Calcium silicate boards are not affected much by moisture at working temperatures.
Main 5 Applications Of Calcium Silicate Panel During Popular Industries
Calcium silicate boards find use as:
• Furnace linings in steel, glass and ceramic industries to shield heat.
• Boiler and kiln insulation to reduce heat losses.
• Backing for fireplace and patio heaters, sometimes, we use the fire rated board.
• Heat resistant partitions in industrial ovens and heating equipment.
• Insulation behind architectural metal panels.
Key Differences Between Refractory Calcium Silicate And Aluminum Silicate Boards
1. Calcium silicate boards can withstand temperatures up to 2,300°F. However, aluminum silicate board have a lower maximum operating temperature of 1,800°F.
2. Calcium silicate board mainly consists of calcium silicate fibers, hydrated alkalis and cellulose. Meanwhile, aluminum silicate boards contain aluminum oxide, aluminum silicates and silica fibers as main constituents.
3. Calcium silicate boards have higher compressive strength and ability to withstand impact at high temperatures. Referring to Aluminum silicate boards, it has lower density, higher resistance to corrosion and better thermal conductivity.