Aluminized Fiberglass Cloth Overview

Aluminized fiberglass cloth is a versatile, high-performance material often used in high-temperature and thermal insulation applications. It typically consists of fiberglass fabric or scrim that is laminated with aluminum foil or aluminum PET film. The aluminum foil or film enhances the cloth’s properties, including thermal reflection, heat resistance, and durability. These materials are further bonded with either acrylic adhesive or silicone adhesive, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Classification of Aluminized Fiberglass Cloth

1. Aluminum Foil Fiberglass Cloth:

   • Primary Use: Aluminum foil laminated fiberglass cloth is commonly used for thermal facing and high-temperature reflection.
   • Adhesive Types:
     • Water-based Acrylic Adhesive: This is typically used for applications requiring general thermal protection and standard heat reflection.
     • Solvent-based Acrylic Adhesive: This type of adhesive is preferred for fabrication purposes due to its superior durability and abrasion resistance. It also offers better bonding strength under more demanding conditions.
   • Typical Applications: Insulation for high-heat environments (e.g., engine compartments, exhaust systems, industrial ovens), as well as protective barriers in high-temperature settings.
     
     

2. Aluminum PET Film Laminated Fiberglass/Aramid Cloth:

   • Primary Use: These materials are ideal for reflective safety clothing and thermal insulation jackets used in extreme temperatures or hazardous environments.
   • Advantages: Aluminum PET film provides additional waterproofing and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for applications where material movement and durability are crucial.

Key Properties and Performance Characteristics

• Aluminum Foil:
  • Waterproof but Porous: Aluminum foil is an ideal material for thermal-facing applications because of its ability to reflect heat effectively. However, its porosity allows for some vapor permeability, which can be useful in specific applications where moisture dissipation is needed.
  • Durability: When laminated with fiberglass, the resulting composite material is both strong and lightweight, offering high resistance to wear and tear.
  • Thermal Insulation: Aluminum foil’s high thermal reflectivity (up to 95%) ensures it is highly effective in reflecting radiant heat, thus protecting underlying materials or structures.

Vapor Permeability of Aluminum Foil (g/m², 24 hrs):

• Aluminum PET Film:
  • Durability: Aluminum PET film is designed to withstand frequent movement and mechanical wear, making it ideal for protective garments and materials that undergo continuous handling or friction.
  • Waterproofing: In addition to its heat-reflective properties, aluminum PET film adds an extra layer of water resistance, ensuring protection against moisture in humid or wet environments.

Material Composition and Fabric Types

Aluminized fiberglass cloth can be constructed from various fabric bases, including EAS weave glass fabric, silica fabric, and para-aramid fabric. These fabrics can be laminated with aluminum foil of varying thicknesses (from 7 µm to 40 µm), depending on the thermal protection and mechanical properties required.

• Glass Fabric: Known for its excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, and strength, glass fabric is commonly used as the base material in aluminized cloth.
• Silica Fabric: Offers superior resistance to high temperatures and is often used in industrial applications where extreme heat is encountered.
• Para-Aramid Fabric: Known for its strength and durability, para-aramid fabric is typically used in high-performance protective clothing, such as fire-resistant garments.

Fabric Lamination Options

The laminating process involves bonding aluminum foil or aluminum PET film to the fabric using various adhesive types, chosen based on the intended application. Common aluminum foil thicknesses include 7 µm, 14 µm, 18 µm, 20 µm, 25 µm, and 40 µm. The laminate enhances the overall material properties, such as thermal reflection, abrasion resistance, and waterproofing.

Product Specifications Table

Applications

• Thermal Insulation: Aluminized fiberglass cloth is widely used in thermal insulation blankets and covers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
• Protective Clothing: It is also used in making fire-resistant and heat-reflective garments for industries requiring heat protection, such as metallurgy, firefighting, and glass manufacturing.
• Industrial Ovens and Engines: The material is commonly used in engine compartment linings, exhaust wraps, and heat shields to prevent damage from intense heat and improve energy efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: By reflecting heat, aluminized fiberglass cloth helps improve the energy efficiency of systems, reducing heat loss and protecting equipment from overheating.