Insulation materials play an important role in improving the energy efficiency and indoor climate of buildings. Ceramic fiber and calcium silicate boards are two popular types of high-temperature insulation used in industrial furnaces, ovens, and other applications. Though similar in some aspects, there are key differences between ceramic fiber and calcium silicate insulation boards in terms of material properties, uses, and performance.

Following Ceramic Fiber Board Suppliers To Understand Properties Of Products

Ceramic fiber insulation consists of extremely fine fibers made from aluminosilicate materials like alumina and silica. The fibers are interlocked using an organic binder to form rigid boards or flexible mats. Ceramic fiber insulation has the following important properties:

• High continuous use temperature: Ceramic fiber insulation can withstand temperatures up to 1260°C. This makes it suitable for use in high-temperature industrial applications.
• Low thermal conductivity: Ceramic fiber insulation has a thermal conductivity as low as 0.08 W/mK, providing effective heat insulation even at high temperatures.
• Lightweight and flexible: Ceramic fiber boards are lightweight yet strong and flexible. They can be easily cut and shaped to fit complex geometries.
• Resistance to moisture and corrosion: Ceramic fiber insulation exhibits good resistance to moisture, acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances.
• Low smoke and toxicity: Ceramic fiber insulation produces negligible smoke and toxicity when exposed to high temperatures.

Due to these properties, ceramic fire board like 1260C ceramic fiber board is used for insulation in industrial furnaces, boilers, ovens and pipes carrying high-temperature fluids and gases.

Calcium Silicate Board Properties

Calcium silicate insulation consists mainly of silica, lime and other metal oxides. When mixed with water, these raw materials form a cement-like material that is cured and pressed into rigid insulation boards. Calcium silicate insulation exhibits the following properties:

• High melting point: Calcium silicate boards can resist temperatures up to 1100°C without deformation.
• Low thermal conductivity: Calcium silicate boards have thermal conductivity around 0.07 to 0.09 W/mK, similar to ceramic fiber insulation.
• Dimensional stability: Calcium silicate boards maintain their shape and dimensions better than ceramic fiber insulation at high temperatures.
• Moisture resistance: Calcium silicate insulation exhibits good resistance to moisture and water vapor diffusion.
• Fire resistance: Calcium silicate boards perform well in fire conditions due to their noncombustible nature.

Thanks to these characteristics, calcium silicate insulation boards like calcium silicate high temperature insulation boards are suitable for insulating industrial ovens, kilns, fireplaces and high-temperature piping systems.

Comparison And Uses

Though ceramic fiber and calcium silicate insulation offer comparable thermal performance, there are some differences in their material properties and applications:

• Continuous use temperature: Ceramic fiber boards (up to 1260°C) have a slightly higher continuous use temperature than calcium silicate boards (up to 1100°C).
• Flexibility: Ceramic fiber insulation boards are inherently flexible while calcium silicate boards are rigid. Hence ceramic fiber mats are also available.
• Moisture resistance: Calcium silicate boards offer better moisture resistance than ceramic fiber insulation.
• Cost: Ceramic fiber insulation is typically more expensive than calcium silicate boards.
• Uses: Ceramic fiber insulation is often preferred for insulating industrial furnaces and high-temperature piping. Calcium silicate boards are widely used for insulating kilns, ovens and high-temperature appliances.