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Ceramic Fiber
This
is part two of a two part article on ceramic fiber refractory
products. Click here to go to part one.
Most ceramic fiber products are made of
aluminosilicate fiber, which is a possible cancer hazard by
inhalation. Laboratory tests have shown no increase in
respiratory disease in factory workers, but animals which have been
exposed to levels hundreds of times higher than normal exposure have
developed lung cancer and related problems. Some people also
find the dust particles from ceramic fiber products irritating to
breathe. For this reason it's a good idea to wear a respirator if
you're using ceramic fiber.
Some ceramic fiber products, notably
Isofrax and
Insulfrax, are made using a synthetic vitrious fiber which is not a
possible cancer hazard. Some people still find the fiber
particles irritating, however, so a mask is also recommended when
using these products.
Ceramic fiber is often referred to by its trade
names, the most common of which are "Fiberfrax" and "Kaowool."
Several other related products of note are:
"Wet felt" (or "moist pack") -- these are fiber
blankets that have been pre-moistened with a fiber mold hardener, so
they can easily be used to make molds
"Thinfire" paper -- marketed by Bullseye Glass,
this is a paper thin fiber product that can be used as a shelf
liner. It leaves a relatively smooth surface on the bottom of
the glass and does not require pre-firing.
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Copyright 2005 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
This list compiled from numerous
sources, including the Warm Glass board, manufacturer's materials,
and Graham Stone's Firing Schedules for Glass. |
