The team in our VISA ISOLATION division specialises in materials that act as thermal insulators, meaning they prevent heat from passing through by conduction. These materials come in fabric form and can be of three types: fibreglass, silica, or ALF fabrics.
Each of these insulating materials withstands a different temperature, which is why each project requires the appropriate thermal insulation to suit its characteristics (chemical, mechanical, structural, thermal, etc.). The VISA ISOLATION team, with more than 35 years of experience in the sector, assesses each case to determine the type of insulation required.
These insulating materials are used in: thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, solar farms, the marine and chemical industries, furnaces, turbines, expansion joints, fire prevention, and the automotive industry.
The properties of each insulating material are as follows:
FIBERGLASS FABRICS
Fibreglass fabrics are made from glass yarns that undergo an enzymatic treatment to prevent them from breaking during fabric manufacture. They can be left “raw”, or coated with silicone, PU, aluminium, or other compounds to enhance their properties and heat resistance.
Fibreglass fabrics can withstand temperatures from -36°C up to, when coated with HT protection, 700°C.
SILICA FABRICS
Silica fabric is made from SiO2 (silicon oxide) filaments at 94% to 96%. It is highly resistant to thermal shock and capable of withstanding high temperatures (it melts from 1,600°C).
A vermiculite coating is applied to provide additional resistance to abrasion.
ALF FABRICS
ALF fabrics are composed of 70% alumina and 30% silica, which is why they are also known as alumina-silica fibre fabrics.
They withstand up to 1,395°C and are, by far, the most heat-resistant fabrics, while also being highly flexible and consistent. For this reason, they are used in places where they must withstand very high temperatures: glass furnaces, foundries, nuclear power plants, etc.