Vermiculite Board
Vermiculite Board is a rigid, lightweight, and non-combustible insulation panel made by combining exfoliated vermiculite granules with an inorganic binder (often sodium silicate) and pressing them into dense, self-supporting sheets. Vermiculite is a natural mineral (hydrated magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate) that expands dramatically when heated (exfoliation), resulting in a highly porous, fire-resistant, and insulating material. The board is valued for its excellent fire protection, high continuous service temperature, dimensional stability, and ease of machining.
Main Components and Structure
The expanded vermiculite acts as the primary thermal and fire barrier.
| COMPONENT | COMPOSITION | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Exfoliated Vermiculite | Hydrated Magnesium-Aluminum-Iron Silicate | Provides the highly porous, lightweight structure and non-combustible nature. |
| Inorganic Binder | Sodium Silicate (Waterglass) | Provides rigidity, compressive strength, and structural integrity. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MAXIMUM SERVICE T | PRIMARY USE |
| Standard Board | 1100°C (2012 F) | Fire protection, high-temperature insulation, refractory lining. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Fire Resistance | EXCELLENT | Non-combustible; does not shrink or lose integrity up to its MST. |
| Thermal Conductivity (k) | LOW | High porosity from the exfoliated granules minimizes heat transfer. |
| Machinability | HIGH | Easily cut, drilled, and shaped with standard woodworking tools. |
| Chemical Inertness | GOOD | Resistant to most acids, alkalis, and moisture. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Vermiculite Board is a high-temperature insulation material that is easy to handle and excels in fire-stop and fire-rated structural applications.
- Fire Safety and Integrity: A key benefit is its high decomposition temperature and low flammability. It is often used as a fireproof barrier in ovens and chimneys, or as a refractory lining that can be exposed directly to flame or high radiant heat without cracking or producing smoke.
- Lightweight Refractory: Due to its low density, it is a lightweight alternative to dense firebrick or castables, reducing the structural load and simplifying installation for high-temperature lining applications.
- Workability: Unlike rigid ceramic materials, Vermiculite Board can be readily cut, drilled, sanded, and shaped using conventional tools, allowing for fast and flexible customization for doors, baffles, and complex internal structures.
- Thermal Insulation: Provides good thermal insulation up to its high MST, making it suitable as both a hot-face lining (in less severe environments) and backup insulation in industrial equipment.
Typical Industries and Applications
Vermiculite Board is widely used in residential and commercial thermal and fire protection:
- Stoves and Fireplaces: Linings and baffles for wood-burning stoves, ovens, and hearths due to its attractive finish and high MST.
- Furnace and Oven Lining: Hot-face lining for electric furnaces, commercial ovens, dryers, and kilns, especially where high thermal cycling resistance is needed.
- Fire Doors and Partitions: Used as the core material in high-temperature fire-rated doors, partitioning walls, and fire-stop assemblies.
- Backup Insulation: Used behind refractory brick or dense linings to reduce the cold-face temperature and heat loss.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection is based on the required temperature and physical strength:
- Maximum Service Temperature (MST): CRITICAL VALUE. Usually around 1100°C for standard products, making it suitable for direct heat exposure in many applications.
- Density: Boards are typically medium density, balancing insulation value with handling strength.
- Thickness and Size: Available in various thicknesses that directly correlate to the amount of insulation provided.
Technical Guidance: While Vermiculite Board is rigid, it is generally softer and has lower compressive strength than Calcium Silicate Board or rigid ceramic fiber board. Care should be taken not to subject it to high crushing loads. It can be easily joined using high-temperature refractory adhesives.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
