Table of Contents
The primary component of ceramic fiber insulation is high-temperature insulation wool made from synthetic minerals capable of withstanding consistent temperatures exceeding 1200°C (2192°F). Before application however, this synthetic material must be densified, treated, and machined for various purposes.
Is ceramic fiber insulation toxic?
Although toxicity data to date have found these ceramic fibers to be innocuous, recent studies have shown the fibers to devitrify and undergo partial conversion to cristobalite when exposed to elevated temperatures.
Is ceramic fiber a carcinogen?
Conclusion from the previous Monograph: Refractory ceramic fibres are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2 B). RCFs are produced by melting a combination of predominantly alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2). NIOSH has estimated that there were about 30,000 U.S. workers exposed to ceramic fibers in the 1980s.
What is ceramic fibre insulation?
Ceramic fibre is a lightweight insulating product. It has low thermal mass which means that it does not retain heat, low thermal conductivity and is an extremely effective insulation material. Its high thermal shock resistance make it suitable for applications where traditional refractories cannot be used.
Is ceramic wool carcinogenic?
Carcinogen classification. The Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL, 2011) classified refractory ceramic fibers as a secondary genotoxic carcinogen and supported a practical threshold.
What are ceramic fibers used for?
Ceramic fibers are used as insulation materials, because of their ability to withstand high temperatures, and are used primarily for lining furnaces and kilns (IARC 1988, 2002). The products are in the form of blankets, boards, felts, bulk fibers, vacuum-formed or cast shapes, paper, and textiles.
Is Rockwool a carcinogen?
The EPA has classified refractory ceramic fibers as probable human carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined glass filaments, glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool to not be classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Is mineral fiber toxic?
There are three major downsides to mineral wool. One is that mineral fibers can break off and become airborne; when we breathe those fibers in they can cause health problems. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and if a lot of it escapes into the indoor air, that would clearly be a health concern.
Is Fiberglass a carcinogen?
There is no evidence that fiberglass causes cancer in people. Based on these animal studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified some fibers used in fiberglass as possible human carcinogens (cancer causing agents).
What is ceramic fibre blanket made of?
Ceramic fibre is made from high purity Alumina – Silica materials. Ceramic fibre is produced by melting these products and using the latest spinning technologies creates a fibre of consistent length to allow blanket to be laid and needled or turned into many of the other ceramic fibre products.
What is ceramic fibre board made of?
Ceramic fibre boards are manufactured from inorganic amorphous glass fibre that is designed to operate at temperatures up to +1260°C. This refractory material is asbestos free, lightweight and offers excellent resistance to chemicals, gasses and thermal shock.
Is ceramic wool a good insulator?
Both ceramic fiber insulation bulk and rock wool have high temperature resistance and can be used as refractory insulation material in single crystal furnace, metallurgical casting, petroleum cracking and space technology.
How is ceramic Fibre made?
The ceramic fibers are made from precursor fibers or a very thin tungsten-core wire. Materials like boron and silicon carbide vapors are deposited onto a red-hot precursor moving very slowly. Some of the ceramic fibers are large-diameter monofilaments.
Does ceramic fiber insulation burn?
Duraboard ceramic fiber boards contain small amounts of organic and inorganic binders that will burn out between 450°F and 600°F during initial heat up. Learn more about these insulating boards recommended for temperatures up to 2600°F here.
Is ceramic fiber insulation fireproof?
High Temperature Heat Flame Resistant Ceramic Fiber Insulation Batt. InsulBattä 2300 High Temperature needled ceramic fiber insulation will not burn and will withstand continuous exposure to temperatures of 2300°F / 1260°C. This material resists most acids and alkalis and is unaffected by most bleaches and solvents.
Is mineral wool carcinogenic?
Mineral wool was originally classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency on the Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic and hazardous to humans. In 2002 mineral wool was declassified as a carcinogen.
Is Rockwool hazardous to health?
Not only is rockwool unfriendly to the environment – it’s also potentially harmful to your health. New blocks can contain a lot of dust and loose fibers that can get in your eyes, mouth, skin and lungs. If you’re using rockwool, you should be using a mask, goggles and gloves when you work with it to protect yourself.
What is ceramic wool?
Ceramic wool or fiber is known as a “refractory material”, a particular substance that has a heat-resistant property. It primarily consists of aluminum silicate, which includes fiber made from various polycrystalline fibers and molten glass.
How do you handle ceramic fiber?
Ceramic Fiber Insulation Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves. Wear head and eye protection including respirator or masks to prevent inhaling dust. Wash any exposed skin surface with soap and water after handling the ceramic fiber material. Wash RCF-soiled clothing frequently and separately from other clothing.
Is ceramic wool fireproof?
High temperature stability: Kaowool ceramic insulation blanket withstands direct flame, continuous use at 2200 ℉, intermittent use at 2400 ℉. Above 2400 ℉ it will begin to shrink, become brittle and eventually melt at 3200 ℉.
Is rockwool safe exposed?
The dust from rockwool can irritate the skin and eyes if a person comes into direct contact with it. Gloves and goggles should be worn when working with rockwool. This is why rockwool is not as harmful to breathe in as asbestos. Because rockwool fibers are short and thick, the body can easily expel them.
Should you wear a mask when using rockwool?
Rockwool also recommends the use of disposable facemasks, especially when working in confined or dusty spaces or with high speed cutting tools.
Does rockwool insulation have asbestos in it?
Rock Wool Manufacturing Company Facts In 1988, the company added wrapped pipe insulation to its product line. Rock Wool still makes products for residential, industrial and commercial buildings as well as marine applications, none of which contains asbestos.
