Silicone Coated Fiebrglass Fabric

Table of Contents

• What is Silicone Coated Fiberglass Fabric Made of?
  • What is Silicone Coating?
  • What is The Basic Fabric of Silicone Fiberglass Fabric?
• How is Silicone Coated Fiberglass Fabric Produced?
  • The Specific Process for Producing Silicone-coated Fiberglass Fabric Includes
    • Fiberglass Weaving
    • Surface Treatment
    • Silicone Preparation
    • Coating Process
    • Curing
    • Inspection and Winding
• What are the characteristics of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric?
  
  • High Temperature Resistance
  • Excellent Flame Retardant Properties
  • Weather Resistance
  • Chemical Resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Water Resistance
  • Abrasion Resistance
  • Environmental Friendliness
  • Easy to Cut and Process
• In which industries is silicone-coated fiberglass fabric used?
  • Removable Thermal Insulation Covers/Jackets/Blankets
  • Welding Blankets/Rolls
  • Fabric Expansion Joints
  • Fire Curtains/Barriers/Screens
  • Flexible Duct Connectors
  • Car Fire Blankets
• What Kinds of Silicone-Coated Fiberglass Fabric Can Suntex Offer?
• What Things Should Be Considered When Using Silicone-coated Fiberglass Fabric?
  • Hazards Identification & First Aid Measures

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric may not be common in everyday household use, but it is frequently found in industrial settings as a fire-resistant and high-temperature material. It is used in fire protection equipment, engine rooms, industrial high-temperature pipelines, and valves. Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is a high-performance material known for its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and flexibility. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -70°C to 250°C (-94°F to 482°F), making it ideal for high-temperature environments, offering protection against heat, flames, and chemicals.

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is a versatile and high-performance material widely used in various industries. To better understand its applications and benefits, it’s important to explore its composition, production process, and key characteristics. Additionally, we’ll examine how to assess its quality, potential modifications, and considerations for optimal use. Below are answers to key questions regarding silicone-coated fiberglass cloth’s properties, applications, and performance factors.

[CLAIM]: Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is completely fireproof. False!

Silicone-coated fiberglass cloth is highly fire-resistant but not entirely fireproof. Most of Suntex’s silicone-coated fiberglass cloths will self-extinguish within 3 to 10 seconds after ignition. The self-extinguishing time depends on the amount of silicone coating.

What is Silicone-coated Fiberglass fabric made of?

Silicone-coated fiberglass cloth is a specialized material widely used in high-temperature and industrial applications. Understanding its composition is key to appreciating its versatility and durability.

Silicone-coated fiberglass cloth is made of a base layer of fiberglass that is coated with one or two layers of silicone rubber. The fiberglass provides strength, thermal resistance, and durability, while the silicone coating enhances flexibility, water resistance, and heat protection.

To better understand its properties and uses, it’s important to delve deeper into the specific components and production process of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric. In the following sections, we will explore how this material is made, its characteristics, and why it’s such a valuable solution in various industries.

[CLAIM]: Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric can only be used in high-temperature environments. False!

While this material excels in high-temperature conditions, it can also be used in other environments, such as for water resistance or chemical protection. The versatility of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric makes it suitable for applications like insulation, sealing, and protection, beyond just high-temperature use.

What is Silicone Coating?

The silicone coating on silicone-coated fiberglass cloth is made from compounded silicone rubber, environmental-friendly flame retardants, colorants, and curing agents. Compounded silicone rubber, the primary component, provides excellent high-temperature resistance, withstanding temperatures ranging from -70°C to 250°C (-94°F to 482°F) while maintaining flexibility. The unique chemical structure of silicone gives it outstanding flexibility and resistance to chemical corrosion. It also effectively resists environmental factors such as moisture, UV radiation, and ozone, ensuring long-term stability in various conditions. Additionally, silicone coatings are highly stable and will not degrade or lose their properties even in harsh environments, such as high temperatures, high humidity, or intense UV exposure. Environmental-friendly flame retardants enhance the coating’s fire resistance, reducing the risk of combustion and thermal degradation. Curing agents promote the cross-linking reaction, making the coating more durable and robust. The perfect combination of these components endows silicone-coated fiberglass fabric with excellent heat, fire, and chemical resistance, making it ideal for demanding industrial environments.

What is The Basic Fabric of Silicone Fiberglass Fabric?

The basic fabric of silicone fiberglass fabric is made from E-glass fibers, with diameters ranging from 6 to 9 µm(micrometers). These fibers are renowned for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide excellent strength. The heat resistance of glass fibers comes from their silica-based composition, which remains stable under extreme temperatures without degrading. Additionally, the tightly woven structure of these fibers enhances their tensile strength, making the fabric both strong and durable. This combination of properties makes silicone fiberglass fabric ideal for high-temperature applications and demanding industrial uses.

How is Silicone Coated Fiberglass Fabric Produced?

Silicone-coated glass cloth is a composite material made by combining silicone and fiberglass fabric.

The production of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric involves weaving fiberglass, surface treatment, silicone formulation, coating process, curing, and inspection and winding. Through these steps, the fabric gains excellent heat and chemical resistance.

Next, we will explain each step in the production of silicone-coated glass cloth in detail.

[CLAIM]: The thicker the coating, the better the fire resistance of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric. False!

The thicker the silicone coating, the higher the content of organic materials, which can reduce the fire resistance of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric.

The Specific Process for Producing Silicone-coated Fiberglass Fabric Includes

Fiberglass Weaving: First, fiberglass yarns are woven into fabric. This fabric has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance.

Surface Treatment: The woven fiberglass fabric may undergo surface treatment to enhance adhesion with silicone. Typically, a de-waxing process is used, where the fiberglass fabric is continuously fed into and out of an oven. The oven temperature and the fabric’s travel speed are controlled to produce de-waxed fiberglass cloth.

Silicone Preparation: The silicone coating material is prepared, usually consisting of silicone resin, catalysts, and other additives to ensure the coating’s performance and adhesion.

Coating Process: Silicone is evenly applied to the surface of the fiberglass fabric. This can be done using either knife coating or dipping methods.

Curing: The coated fabric needs to be cured at high temperatures to ensure the silicone bonds firmly with the fiberglass. The curing temperature and time depend on the type of silicone used.

Inspection and Winding: After curing, the fabric undergoes quality inspection to ensure it is defect-free. The approved fabric is then wound into rolls, ready for shipment.

What are the characteristics of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric?

Thanks to the inherent properties of silicone rubber and fiberglass fabric, silicone-coated glass cloth has many advantages that other materials lack.

Silicone coated fiberglass fabric is a material that combines the strength of fiberglass with the high-temperature and fire-resistant properties of silicone. It offers excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, UV radiation, water, and provides good electrical insulation. It is not only highly flexible and strong but also remains stable in harsh environments, making it widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and more, particularly in applications exposed to high heat, fire, moisture, or chemical corrosion.

Let’s explore the characteristics of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric Now.

Silicone coated fiberglass fabric is completely waterproof. False!

Under high-pressure or prolonged exposure to water, there is a possibility of water penetration.

High Temperature Resistance: Fiberglass has a high melting point, maintaining strength up to 550°C. The silicone coating withstands high temperatures due to the high energy and stability of the silicon-oxygen bonds, preventing decomposition or degradation at temperatures up to 260°C. Therefore, silicone-coated glass fabric can resist high temperatures.

Excellent Flame Retardant Properties: The silicone coating contains flame retardants, and silicone itself is not easily flammable. Additionally, fiberglass fabric is non-combustible. Therefore, silicone-coated glass fabric effectively resists fire sources and does not contribute to combustion during a fire, preventing flame spread and reducing fire risk. It is suitable for fire-prone environments.

Weather Resistance: This is mainly due to silicone’s UV and oxidation resistance. Silicone is not sensitive to UV rays and oxidizing agents, allowing it to maintain its physical properties under prolonged sunlight and atmospheric exposure, without aging or degrading easily. This gives the material a long lifespan when used outdoors.

Chemical Resistance: Due to the chemical inertness of silicone, it does not react with acids, bases, or most solvents, making this material particularly suitable for use in chemical environments. Additionally, fiberglass also has good chemical resistance, further enhancing the material’s durability.

Flexibility: This comes from the elasticity of silicone. The flexibility of silicone allows the material to bend and shape easily while maintaining strength, making it resistant to breaking or damage. Fiberglass provides the necessary structural support, ensuring it can bear loads even with its flexibility.

Water Resistance: The dense surface formed by the silicone coating effectively blocks moisture penetration, preventing damage from water ingress. This waterproof quality makes it suitable for applications requiring moisture protection.

Abrasion Resistance: The smooth and tough surface of silicone effectively withstands friction and wear, extending the material’s lifespan, especially in environments with frequent mechanical movement.

Environmental Friendliness: Silicone and fiberglass typically do not contain harmful chemicals, meet environmental standards, and can be recycled, reducing environmental impact.

Easy to Cut and Process: The flexibility and stable structure of silicone-coated glass fabric make it resistant to fraying or tearing during processing, while maintaining its shape and performance.

In which industries is silicone-coated fiberglass fabric used?

Silicone impregnated fiberglass fabric is a versatile material known for its durability and resistance to high temperatures and flames. It finds applications across various industries due to its unique properties.

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is widely used in industries such as Petroleum, Chemical, Construction, Marine, Clean Energy, and Ventilation. Its heat resistance, flexibility, and durability make it ideal for thermal insulation, flexible connector, fireproof air duct, fireproof, welding protection and sealing applications.

To understand the widespread use of silicone impregnated fiberglass fabric, it’s essential to explore its specific roles in different industries. Each sector leverages the material’s unique characteristics to enhance safety, efficiency, and performance. Let’s delve into how this remarkable fabric is utilized across various fields.

Removable Thermal Insulation Covers/Jackets/Blankets

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric plays a crucial role in thermal insulation covers, thermal insulation jackets, and thermal insulation blankets, commonly used for the outer layer, inner layer, and fastening structure. As an outer layer, it offers waterproof, oil-resistant, and abrasion-resistant protection, while in the inner layer, it ensures efficient thermal insulation. This makes it ideal for applications such as valve insulation, pipe insulation, flange insulation, and turbine insulation. Additionally, it is used in industrial equipment insulation, chemical equipment insulation, boiler and heat exchanger insulation, food processing equipment insulation, building equipment and pipeline insulation, environmental equipment insulation, and marine and vessel equipment insulation. Its flexibility in the fastening structure makes it suitable for creating straps and connectors, ensuring the stability and removability of the insulation cover. These characteristics make silicone-coated fiberglass fabric an ideal choice for effective thermal protection across various industrial applications.

Welding Blankets/Rolls

Silicone impregnated fiberglass fabric is an ideal material for making light-duty welding blankets due to its excellent high-temperature resistance and flame-retardant properties, effectively shielding against welding sparks and heat radiation. Its abrasion resistance and flexibility make it suitable for surfaces of various shapes, while its waterproof and oil-resistant characteristics ensure outstanding performance in wet or oily environments. These features provide reliable safety protection in industrial and manufacturing settings.

Fabric Expansion Joints

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric can be used in various structures of fabric expansion joints, such as the flexible element, outer cover, and insulation layers. It serves to absorb thermal expansion, accommodate vibration, and compensate for misalignment in duct systems, providing durability and resistance to high temperatures and chemical exposure.

Fire Curtains/Barriers/Screens

Steel wire reinforced silicone rubber coated fiberglass fabric plays a crucial role in the main body of fire curtains. Its high temperature resistance and flame-retardant properties effectively block the spread of flames and smoke, providing essential fire protection during a fire to ensure the safety of people and property.

Flexible Duct Connectors

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric can be used in the main structure of flexible duct connectors. It provides excellent high-temperature and fire resistance, along with good sealing and flexibility. This material effectively absorbs vibration and noise, reducing energy loss during the operation of machinery, and ensures the stability and reliability of the connector in high-temperature environments.

Car Fire Blankets

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is used as the main covering layer in automotive fire blankets. It provides excellent high-temperature and flame-retardant properties, effectively preventing the spread of flames and protecting the surrounding environment and personnel. Its flexibility and strength ensure that the fire blanket can be easily deployed and cover the vehicle in emergencies, quickly isolating the fire source.

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is only suitable for high-temperature applications. False!

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric can typically withstand temperatures as low as -70°C, allowing it to maintain flexibility and functionality in extremely cold environments.

What kinds of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric can Suntex offer?

Suntex specializes in a diverse range of silicone rubber coated fiberglass fabrics designed to meet various industrial needs.

We offer a wide variety of fiberglass coated fabrics with weights ranging from 130gsm to 5000gsm and thicknesses from 0.1mm to 3.5mm. Our coating methods include knife coating, dipping, and calendaring.

In addition to regular silicone rubber coated fiberglass fabric, Suntex can provide additional features:

• a glossier or matte finish.
• more slip-resistant or smoother surfaces(drier feel).
• softer texture.
• more abrasion-resistant.
• anti-static properties.
• antimicrobial properties.
• food-grade silicone.
• more waterproof.
• customized colors.

What things should be considered when using silicone-coated fiberglass fabric?

Silicone-coated fiberglass fabric is an essential material in many industrial fields, but there are also some safety considerations to keep in mind when using it.

When using silicone-coated glass fiber fabrics, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks, to prevent irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated during cutting or processing to minimize dust inhalation risks. Although the material is heat-resistant, avoid direct contact with open flames to prevent decomposition. For storage, keep the material in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its performance. Follow local regulations for waste disposal to avoid environmental pollution. Additionally, regularly inspect the material for integrity during use to ensure there is no damage or wear.

Here is an introduction to the Hazards Identification and First Aid Measures for silicone-coated glass fiber fabrics.

Hazards Identification & First Aid Measures

Hazards Identification

Silicone-coated glass fiber fabrics can pose several hazards. The fiberglass component may cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, and respiratory issues if fibers are inhaled. While the silicone coating reduces some risks, handling or processing the material without protection can still lead to exposure to irritants.

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: If irritation occurs, wash the affected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if irritation continues.

Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing difficulties occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek medical attention if necessary.

This article is being continuously updated.