Ceramic Fiber Blanket — High-Performance Thermal Insulation for Extreme Environments

A ceramic fiber blanket is one of the most widely used refractory insulation materials in high-temperature industries. Manufactured from high-purity alumino-silicate fibers through a controlled spinning or blowing process, the ceramic fiber blanket offers exceptional thermal insulation, flexibility, and mechanical strength. It is designed for continuous use in temperatures ranging from 1000°C to 1430°C, depending on the grade.

The defining feature of the ceramic fiber blanket is its combination of low density and high thermal resistance. This balance makes it an excellent energy-saving material for furnaces, kilns, reformers, and heat-treatment equipment. The ceramic fiber blanket reduces heat loss and minimizes shell temperature, improving both operational efficiency and workplace safety. Its uniform fiber distribution ensures consistent performance and resilience under thermal cycling, even in harsh chemical or mechanical environments.

Unlike traditional refractory bricks or castables, the ceramic fiber blanket is lightweight and flexible, making installation and maintenance fast and convenient. It can be easily cut, folded, or layered to fit complex furnace geometries. The ceramic fiber blanket can also serve as a backing insulation behind hard refractory linings, creating a multi-layer system that enhances durability while reducing total lining weight.

In industrial operations, the ceramic fiber blanket is commonly applied in:

Metallurgy — lining reheating furnaces, ladle covers, and continuous casting tundishes.

Petrochemical plants — insulation for reformers, cracking units, and flue ducts.

Power generation — turbine housings, boilers, and heat exchangers.

Ceramic and glass manufacturing — kiln car insulation and annealing lehrs.

Fire protection systems — expansion joints, smoke barriers, and fire doors.

The ceramic fiber blanket also delivers excellent chemical stability, resisting attack from most acids and alkalis except hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids. It maintains its integrity under oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, ensuring stable insulation performance even in fluctuating thermal environments.

Thermal shock resistance is another key strength of the ceramic fiber blanket. It can endure rapid heating and cooling cycles without cracking or delaminating, a critical advantage for batch-process operations or furnaces that undergo frequent shutdowns. Additionally, the ceramic fiber blanket exhibits low thermal conductivity across a wide temperature range, reducing heat transfer and maintaining a uniform temperature profile inside the furnace.

For specific operational needs, the ceramic fiber blanket is available in several grades:

Standard (1260°C) — suitable for general industrial insulation.

High-Purity (1260°C) — low impurity level, ideal for oxidation-resistant applications.

High-Alumina (1350°C) — enhanced strength and reduced shrinkage under load.

Zirconia (1430°C) — superior thermal stability for the most demanding conditions.

Because of its fiber structure and smooth surface, the ceramic fiber blanket can also be laminated with foil or cloth to improve mechanical strength or resist contamination. In maintenance work, replacing damaged sections of ceramic fiber blanket is simple, helping reduce downtime and cost compared to rigid refractory linings.

The durability and versatility of the ceramic fiber blanket have made it a cornerstone of modern refractory systems. Whether used as hot-face lining, back insulation, or sealing material, the ceramic fiber blanket consistently delivers reliable, high-performance thermal control for industries that operate in the most extreme conditions.