March 1, 2011
If you are using a fiberglass textile for high temperature resistant protection, then you should consider using a silica textile instead.
Silica textiles are 95% SiO2 which is stone/sand in textile form. Fiberglass has only 52% SiO2 and that is why fiberglass melts at 1000°F.
Silica melts at 3000°F and can be used at 1800°F constantly. That's great news, but there are other reasons to use silica textiles and not fiberglass including:
> you don't have to worry about skin irritation or itching
> the silica fibers are 6 or more microns which means there is no accumulation of fibers in your lungs.
> Silica not only gives much higher temperature protection but also is much "safer" product to use.
> Sparks will penetrate fiberglass but NOT silica which means silica textiles last longer and are more durable.
> Silica textiles come in a variety of forms: CLOTH, SLEEVING, ROPE, & TAPE.
All of these are major advantages to the health, safety, and overall well-being
of you & your employees!