What Is Vermiculite Coated Fibreglass Cloth Used For?-silicasleeve.com

What is Vermiculite Coated Fibreglass Cloth used for?

September 01, 2025

Vermiculite coated fibreglass cloth is primarily used as a flexible, high-temperature, and fire-protective barrier. It's designed to contain sparks, slag, and heat in industrial settings, most notably during hot work like welding and grinding, to prevent fires.

Vermiculite Coated Fibreglass Cloth

What Makes It Special?

To understand its uses, it's helpful to know what the coating is:

Fibreglass Cloth Base: Provides inherent heat resistance, flexibility, and structural strength. It won't burn or melt until extremely high temperatures.
Vermiculite Coating: Vermiculite is a natural mineral that, when heated, exfoliates (expands dramatically) into a low-density, insulating material. This coating is applied to the fibreglass cloth.

This combination creates a material that is:

Fire Resistant: Withstands direct flames and intense heat.
Thermally Insulating: Acts as a barrier, protecting nearby materials from radiant heat.
Sparks and Slag Resistant: The coated surface traps hot sparks and molten metal slag, preventing them from bouncing onto flammable materials.
Flexible and Durable: Can be easily draped, wrapped, or sewn into various shapes without cracking.

Primary Uses and Applications

1. Welding and Hot Work Curtains & Blankets

This is the most common application. The cloth is hung as curtains or laid down as blankets to:

Create Safety Barriers: Partition off welding areas to protect nearby workers from UV radiation (arc flash) and sparks.
Protect Equipment and Structures: Drape over machinery, electrical panels, hydraulic hoses, and sensitive equipment to prevent damage from sparks and spatter.
Cover Flammable Materials: Cover wooden floors, cardboard, fuel drums, or other combustibles that cannot be moved from the work area.

2. Fire Blankets

While many commercial fire blankets are made of fibreglass alone, vermiculite-coated versions offer superior performance for industrial and marine use. They are effective for smothering small fires, especially those involving flammable liquids (Class B) and electrical equipment (Class C), as they are non-conductive.

3. High-Temperature Insulation and Wrap

The cloth can be used to wrap ventilation ducts, pipes, and other components that operate at high temperatures. It helps contain heat within the system and protects surrounding areas from the high surface temperature, improving energy efficiency and safety.

4. Containment and Protection in Confined Spaces

When working in shipyards, tanks, or other confined spaces, it is crucial to prevent any fire hazard. Vermiculite blankets are used to line walls and floors, creating a safe environment for cutting, welding, and grinding.

5. Specialty Gaskets and Seals

In high-temperature industrial ovens, furnaces, and exhaust systems, this material can be fabricated into gaskets and seals that need to remain flexible while resisting extreme heat and flame.

Key Advantages Over Standard Fibreglass Cloth

Enhanced Spark Capture: The rough, mineral-based coating is exceptionally good at trapping and absorbing hot sparks, rather than letting them bounce off.
Superior Heat Shielding: The vermiculite coating provides an extra layer of insulation against radiant heat, protecting assets more effectively.
Durability: The coating helps protect the underlying fibreglass from abrasion, making the blanket last longer in harsh industrial environments.

Summary

Vermiculite coated fibreglass cloth is an essential safety material in any industry where hot work is performed. Its main job is to act as a flexible shield that contains the immediate dangers of welding and grinding—sparks, spatter, and heat—thereby preventing catastrophic fires and protecting valuable equipment and personnel.