The construction and industrial sectors have long sought safe, durable, and high-performance materials for insulation, fireproofing, and gasketing. Historically, materials containing asbestos were commonplace due to their excellent heat resistance and strength. However, the severe health risks associated with asbestos fibers led to a global shift towards safer alternatives. Non-Asbestos Sheets have emerged as the superior, health-conscious solution, offering comparable or even enhanced performance without the associated dangers. These sheets are engineered composite materials, designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern industry while ensuring the safety of workers and end-users. They represent a commitment to innovation and responsibility in material science.
The primary driver for the adoption of Non-Asbestos Sheets is safety. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. By eliminating asbestos from the formulation, these sheets provide a safe working environment. Beyond safety, they offer a host of technical advantages. They are known for their excellent thermal stability, resisting high temperatures without degrading. They also possess strong chemical resistance, making them suitable for applications involving oils, solvents, and steam. Furthermore, they are mechanically robust, providing good compression strength and durability under load, which is critical for gasket applications. Their versatility allows them to be used in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to power generation and chemical processing.
To ensure you select the correct material for your specific application, it is crucial to understand the key parameters of our Non-Asbestos Sheets. Our products are manufactured to exacting standards, with properties tailored for different operational environments. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core specifications.
| Parameter | Standard Value | Test Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.6 - 2.0 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 | Indicates material compactness and mass. |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 10 MPa | ASTM D638 | Measures resistance to breaking under tension. |
| Compression Set | ≤ 15% (22 hrs @ 100°C) | ASTM F36 | Indicates ability to recover thickness after compression; lower is better. |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 80 - 95 | ASTM D2240 | Measures resistance to surface indentation. |
| Parameter | Standard Value | Test Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Service Temperature | -40°C to +290°C (-40°F to +554°F) | ASTM D3045 | Maximum temperature for long-term use without significant degradation. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.15 - 0.25 W/m·K | ASTM C177 | Measures the rate of heat transfer; lower values indicate better insulation. |
| Flammability Rating | Self-extinguishing | UL 94 | Indicates resistance to burning. |
| Resistance to Oil & Fuel | Excellent (Volume swell < 10%) | ASTM D471 | Ability to withstand exposure to petroleum-based fluids. |
What exactly are Non-Asbestos Sheets made from?
Non-Asbestos Sheets are composite materials manufactured from a blend of synthetic organic fibers (like aramid), inorganic fibers (like glass), elastomeric binders (such as nitrile rubber), and various fillers. This combination is carefully engineered to replicate or exceed the beneficial properties of historical asbestos materials—such as heat resistance, strength, and sealing capability—while being completely free of any asbestos fibers, ensuring a safe product for handling and use.
Are Non-Asbestos Sheets as durable and heat-resistant as the old asbestos-based sheets?
Yes, modern Non-Asbestos Sheets are designed to meet or surpass the performance of traditional asbestos materials. Through advanced manufacturing and material science, they achieve excellent tensile strength, compression resistance, and can withstand continuous operating temperatures up to 290°C (554°F). In many cases, they offer superior chemical resistance and better sealing performance under variable pressures and temperatures.
In which industries are these sheets most commonly used?
Non-Asbestos Sheets have a very broad application range. They are extensively used in the automotive industry for cylinder head gaskets and exhaust manifold gaskets. In the petrochemical and power generation sectors, they are used for flanges, valves, and heat exchangers. They are also common in marine applications, industrial ovens, and as fireproofing and insulation panels in commercial and residential construction.
How do I select the right grade of Non-Asbestos Sheet for my application?
Selection depends on several key application parameters. You must consider the continuous and peak temperatures the gasket will face, the type of media being sealed (e.g., steam, oil, acid, fuel), the pressure on the flange, and the required compliance with industry standards. Our technical data sheets provide detailed specifications for each grade, and our engineering support team can assist in matching the correct material to your specific operating conditions.
What are the proper storage and handling procedures for these sheets?
Non-Asbestos Sheets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. They should be kept flat to prevent warping or bending. When handling, it is good practice to wear gloves to prevent contamination from skin oils. While these sheets are safe and non-toxic, cutting or machining them may generate dust; therefore, using appropriate dust extraction or a respirator is recommended during fabrication.
Can these sheets be customized in terms of size, thickness, and shape?
Absolutely. We offer a high degree of customization. Sheets can be supplied in standard sizes or cut-to-size panels to minimize waste. They are available in a range of thicknesses, typically from 0.4mm to 6.0mm. Furthermore, we can die-cut, laser-cut, or waterjet-cut sheets into complex gasket shapes based on your precise technical drawings, providing ready-to-install components.
How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your Non-Asbestos Sheets?
Quality is ensured through a rigorous manufacturing process that begins with raw material certification. Every batch of incoming materials is tested. The production process is controlled with automated systems to maintain consistency in density, thickness, and composition. Finished sheets undergo a battery of tests, including checks for tensile strength, compression set, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, against international standards like ASTM, ISO, and DIN to guarantee they meet our strict specifications and your performance expectations.
