Spun refractory fibres for 1000–1400 °C — kiln linings, gaskets, and a respirable-fibre caution that AES grades try to ease.
Also called: RCF · alumino-silicate wool · AES wool
Ceramic fibre is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under fire: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.
Scores compare Ceramic fibre with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.
Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.
Deep introduction
Ceramic fibre (Al2O3–SiO2 (RCF) / alkaline earth silicate (AES)) is a family of grades whose density 64–192 kg/m³ blankets, heat band classification T often 1260–1400 °C, and fire letter A1.
Ceramic fibre is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry Al2O3–SiO2 (RCF) / alkaline earth silicate (AES), density 64–192 kg/m³ blankets, heat band classification T often 1260–1400 °C.
This atlas treats Ceramic fibre as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.
Conductivity note: λ rises with T; still far below brick. Insulation score 80/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.
Fire letter in editorial use: A1. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.
Origin: 1940s–60s US/JP; EU RCF classification 1990s, United States / Japan / EU. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.
Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: mineral-wool.
Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.
Circularity mark 34/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.
Global · 1960s–
Kiln blanket is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
US Gulf · 1970s–
Petrochem module is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
Europe · 1990s–
AES Superwool is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
Global · 2000s–
Fire-wrap duct is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
EU · 1990s–
RCF warning label is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
Japan / US · 1980s–
Polycrystalline fibre is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
Global · 1970s–
Gasket paper is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
United States · 1980s
Shuttle tile cousin is a reference point in the public image of Ceramic fibre.
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Same family or rival physics — pick a duel.
Closest neighbours on the six atlas axes — strength, heat, fire, insulation, workability and circularity.
Melted rock or glass spun into A1 batts — the default non-combustible insulation of codes.
Overall 69 ☁️A nanoscale silica sponge — among the lowest solid λ values, fragile unless blanketed, and A1 when purely inorganic.
Overall 60 🧯Paints that swell into insulating char — the thin-film way to give steel an R-rating without bulky boards.
Overall 58 👨🚒DuPont’s meta-aramid — fire-fighter turnout, electrical paper and a char that does not melt-drip like nylon.
Overall 65CaSO4·2H2O panels that buy fire time by calcining — the everyday A2/A1 lining of interiors.
Overall 59 👨🚒DuPont’s meta-aramid — fire-fighter turnout, electrical paper and a char that does not melt-drip like nylon.
Overall 65 🧯Paints that swell into insulating char — the thin-film way to give steel an R-rating without bulky boards.
Overall 58