Ceramic fiber blankets are internationally recognized as refractory materials with exceptional thermal insulation properties. The thermal conductivity of ceramic fiber blanket series products is as low as 0.09 W/(m·K) at 400°C. This outstanding characteristic has led to the rapid adoption of ceramic fiber blankets and their derivative products (such as modules) in high-temperature kiln applications, with performance consistently meeting expectations.
So how exactly do ceramic fiber blankets achieve such remarkable thermal insulation?
Ceramic fiber primarily consists of solid and gaseous phases. Like other materials, heat transfer occurs through three mechanisms: conduction, radiation, and convection.
Solid Phase
The solid phase comprises the interwoven ceramic fibers within the blanket. The random, non-directional arrangement of these fibers creates a highly tortuous heat transfer path, significantly reducing heat conduction through the solid material. Furthermore, the fibers mainly contact each other at discrete points, creating additional resistance to heat transfer between solid components.
Gaseous Phase
The gaseous phase exists within the porous structure formed by the interwoven fibers, which achieves up to 90% porosity. Most gases, including air, exhibit low thermal conductivity and heat capacity when stagnant. When heat enters the fiber matrix, it becomes trapped and divided by numerous air pockets, effectively immobilizing the air within the pores. Consequently, heat transfer through gas convection in ceramic fiber blankets is minimal.
