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Silica Cloth: A High-Temperature Textile for Demanding Applications
Silica cloth is a specialized silicate fiber textile engineered to withstand extremely high temperatures ranging from 800°C to 1000°C. Due to its excellent thermal resistance, it is widely used in industries such as metallurgy, aerospace, power generation, and fire protection. Based on the SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) content, silica cloth can be classified into two main types:
Mid-Temperature Silica Fabric: Contains approximately 70% SiO₂, suitable for applications requiring moderate heat resistance.
High-Purity Silica Fabric: Contains over 96% SiO₂, offering superior thermal stability and performance under extreme heat.
Compared to ceramic fiber cloth, silica cloth is cleaner, easier to fabricate, and more consistent in surface texture. It does not shed fibers as heavily, making it more user-friendly for both manual handling and mechanical processing. Additionally, its high flexibility allows for easier cutting, sewing, and molding into custom shapes.
To improve performance and handling properties, silica cloth is often treated with the following finishes:
PU Weave Setting: A polyurethane-based treatment that stabilizes the weave and improves mechanical integrity.
Vermiculite Coating: Enhances abrasion resistance, protects against molten metal splashes, and improves overall handling durability.
These finishes also assist in minimizing fraying during fabrication and provide added resistance against wear and high-velocity heat exposure.
Q1: What is the shrinkage rate of silica cloth under high temperatures?
Silica cloth may shrink under high heat. However, a pre-shrunk heat treatment process significantly reduces shrinkage. With proper finishing, the shrinkage can be reduced from the typical 7–10% down to less than 3% when exposed to 1000°C.
Q2: Why is tensile strength important for silica cloth?
Maintaining high and stable strength is essential—especially when the fabric is subjected to secondary processing such as coating, lamination, or composite fabrication. Strength ensures the integrity and durability of the final product.
Q3: What is leached silica cloth, and how does it compare?
Leached silica cloth is made by chemically removing impurities from E-glass fabric, resulting in a high SiO₂ content. While cost-effective, this method often leads to lower strength and performance instability, making it less ideal for demanding applications.
Silica cloth is a high-performance insulation material with excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength, and processability. When choosing the right type of silica fabric, consider SiO₂ content, surface treatment, and fabric strength—especially for high-temperature and safety-critical applications. Whether used as a heat shield, thermal barrier, or fire blanket base, silica cloth provides reliable protection where standard textiles fail.
