Thermal Insulation and Fireproofing Materials

Thermal insulation and fireproofing materials reduce the flow of heat through the thickness of the material. They are typically fiber-based or foam structures prepared from thermally-stable materials. There are four basic material types of thermal insulation and fireproofing materials: fiberglass, glass wood, polymeric materials, cellulose fibers, and ceramics or refractories. Fiberglass is offered typically as batting or as a high-loft, flexible structure; however, board-like products are also suitable for many industrial applications. Glass wool is spun from slag, rock, glasses or minerals that have been melted and produced as fibers. Polymeric materials have high molecular weight materials and are often hydrocarbon based. They can be prepared into films, fibers, fabrics or foams. Cellulosic fibers are prepared from wood pulp, cotton and other natural resources. Refractories are hard, heat-resistant thermal insulation and fireproofing materials such as alumina cement, fire clay, bricks, pre-cast shapes, cement or monolithics and ceramic kiln furniture. Ceramics and refractories have high melting points are suitable for applications requiring wear resistance, high temperature strength, electrical or thermal insulation or other specialized characteristics.