“What is the temperature resistance of ceramic fiber blankets?”
This is a question that is often oversimplified or even misunderstood in engineering applications. Ceramic fiber blankets are widely used in industrial furnace linings and insulation systems, but the key issue is not how high a temperature they can withstand for a short period, but whether their performance remains stable during long-term operation.
Therefore, the temperature resistance of ceramic fiber blankets cannot be defined by a single number. In engineering selection, it is essential to distinguish between the following three temperature concepts:
Classification Temperature
The classification temperature refers to the maximum temperature at which a product, under laboratory conditions, shows a linear shrinkage not exceeding the specified limit after a 24-hour high-temperature test. This temperature is used primarily for product classification and identification and does not represent the allowable long-term service temperature in real applications.
Continuous Use Temperature
The continuous use temperature is the most critical parameter for engineering selection. It represents the highest temperature at which the product can maintain stable structure and performance under long-term operating conditions. In most cases, the continuous use temperature is typically about 150–200°C lower than the classification temperature.
Limit Temperature
The limit temperature is the range at which fibers begin to sinter noticeably and degrade rapidly. Beyond this point, material performance deteriorates quickly. This temperature should never be used as a basis for engineering design or material selection.
Factors Affecting the Actual Temperature Performance of Ceramic Fiber Blankets
Under real operating conditions, the actual temperature resistance of ceramic fiber blankets is influenced by multiple factors, including chemical composition, fiber type, and high-temperature structural stability.
Influence of Chemical Composition and Fiber Type
The temperature grade of ceramic fiber blankets is mainly determined by the contents of alumina (Al₂O₃), silica (SiO₂), and whether zirconia (ZrO₂) is introduced:
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S Grade (1260°C / 2300°F)
Alumina content ≥ 44%. Widely used in standard industrial insulation applications.
Typical continuous use temperature: approximately 1050°C (1922°F). -
HPS Grade (1260°C / 2300°F)
High-purity ceramic fiber blanket with impurity content controlled below 1%, offering improved resistance to crystallization and enhanced chemical stability.
Typical continuous use temperature: approximately 1100°C (2012°F), suitable for applications with higher long-term stability requirements. -
PUREWOOL RCF Blanket (1260°C / 2300°F, 1430°C / 2600°F)
Made from high-purity synthetic raw materials with extremely low impurity levels and a whiter appearance. At the same temperature grade, PUREWOOL provides improved thermal shock resistance and insulation performance. -
HZ Grade (1430°C / 2600°F)
Formulated with approximately 15% ZrO₂, significantly enhancing structural stability and resistance to sintering at high temperatures.
Typical continuous use temperature: up to 1350°C (2462°F).
Applicable Temperature Ranges for Different Fiber Systems
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RCF Blanket Series
Operating effectively in the temperature range of approximately 1000–1400°C, offering a well-balanced combination of performance and cost. This series is one of the most widely used fiber products in industrial furnace linings. -
PCW Blanket Series
With excellent structural stability, PCW blankets can maintain reliable performance in ultra-high-temperature conditions approaching or exceeding 1500°C (2732°F). They are suitable for extreme high-temperature zones or applications requiring extended service life. -
LBP Blanket Series
Covering temperature grades of 1200°C (2192°F) and 1300°C (2372°F), LBP blankets are designed for medium- to high-temperature applications. They provide stable insulation performance while complying with stricter occupational health and environmental regulations, making them a compliant alternative to RCF in safety- and regulation-sensitive environments.
There is no single universal answer to the question, “What is the temperature resistance of a ceramic fiber blanket?”
In engineering practice, material selection should be based primarily on the continuous use temperature. Reliable ceramic fiber blanket selection is not about choosing the highest nominal temperature rating, but about selecting a material that can maintain stable performance over the long term under the actual operating conditions.
Post time: Jan-12-2026
