High-Temperature Fabrics

Selecting High-Temperature Fabric by Fibre, Coating and Duty

High-temperature fabric is a broad engineering category rather than a single material. Two cloths woven from glass fibre can behave very differently once one is left in loomstate and the other receives silicone, neoprene, graphite or vermiculite treatment. The finish may improve abrasion resistance, weathering, impermeability, reflectivity or handling, while also introducing a lower temperature limit. Silica and biosoluble ceramic fibre products extend the range into more severe thermal service, but still require correct fabrication, support and containment.

The 15 listed products cover flexible barriers, jacket facings, furnace curtains, expansion-joint fabrics, heat shields, high-temperature filters and construction reinforcement. They are supplied as technical materials, not automatically as certified fire curtains, welding screens, PPE, fire blankets or compartmentation systems. For any regulated or safety-critical use, assess the completed assembly, including seams, thread, fasteners, overlaps, supports and penetrations.

Industries and Applications for High-Temperature Fabrics

VITCAS high-temperature fabrics are used across metallurgy, power generation, marine engineering, oil and gas processing, fire protection, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace, glass production, ceramics and furnace engineering. Each sector imposes different combinations of temperature, flame, molten splash, abrasion, weathering, vibration, chemical exposure and mechanical movement.

• Metallurgy and foundries: molten-metal splash curtains, furnace-door curtains, radiant-heat shields and hot-dust filtration. Selection must consider the alloy, melt temperature, splash mass, impact angle, exposure duration, run-off geometry and abrasion. Suitability for one molten material must not be assumed for another.
• Power generation: removable insulation-jacket facings for turbines, boilers, valves and flanges, together with ducting and expansion-joint components. Assess surface and gas temperatures, pressure, movement, steam, oil, outdoor exposure, vibration and maintenance access.
• Marine engineering and shipbuilding: engine-room and exhaust insulation covers, pipe and valve jacket facings, flexible connections, and welding protection during construction or repair. Consider moisture, oil, salt-laden environments, vibration, flame and smoke performance across commercial vessels, naval craft, offshore units and leisure craft.
• Oil, gas and petrochemical processing: removable covers for hot process equipment, expansion-joint or bellows layers, process-duct curtains, and splash or chemical barriers. Confirm the process medium, concentration, temperature, pressure, gas-tightness requirement, outdoor exposure, static risk and ignition controls.
• Fire protection and emergency-response equipment: technical fabrics used as components in fire or smoke curtains, blankets, equipment covers and radiant-heat shields. Reaction-to-fire performance of the cloth does not by itself establish the fire resistance or certification of the completed system.
• General manufacturing and welding: welding screens and blankets, oven or kiln curtains, machinery shields, removable covers and local heat barriers. Assess sparks, hot particles, ultraviolet radiation, radiant heat, abrasion, orientation and installation.
• Automotive and aerospace: engine, exhaust and test-cell heat shields, thermal or acoustic barriers, and removable component covers. Prioritise low mass, resistance to vibration and fluids, temperature cycling, fire, smoke and toxicity requirements, and the relevant OEM or programme specification.
• Glass, ceramics and furnace engineering: furnace-door and kiln curtains, expansion seals, hot-face screens and high-temperature dust filtration. Check continuous temperature, radiant heat, direct flame, dust chemistry and loading, flexing cycles, abrasion and support design.

These are representative industrial applications rather than declarations that every fabric is suitable or approved for every listed duty. For safety-critical curtains, barriers, PPE, marine components or flexible connectors, specify and assess the complete fabricated system, including coatings, seams, threads, fixings and supports, against the operating data, risk assessment and applicable standards.

Comparison of the Listed VITCAS Fabrics

Product	Published Temperature Information	Useful Properties and Typical Role	Important Limitation
S-G/CL/LS E-Glass Fibreglass Cloth, Loomstate	550°C continuous; 600°C short term	Uncoated, flexible 1000 mm-wide cloth for drapes, thermal barriers, blankets and general fabrication	No coating for weather, oil or abrasion protection; the finished assembly still needs suitable edges, seams and fixings
S-G/CL/PU1 Polyurethane-Coated Glass Fibre Cloth	Fabric stated at 550°C continuous and 600°C short term; PU coating stated resistant to 180°C	Halogen-free, low-air-permeability cloth with an aluminium-filled PU surface; published reaction-to-fire classification B-s1, d0	Separate the coating limit from the glass substrate limit and verify whether the finish must remain intact at the design temperature
S-G/CL/S2 Silicone-Coated Glass Fibre Cloth	Silicone coating: 260°C continuous and 310°C short term; glass core up to 550°C	Double-sided water-repellent, abrasion- and chemical-resistant finish for jacket facings, flexible connections and covers	The 550°C capability of the core must not be presented as the continuous rating of the intact silicone-coated surface
S-G/CL/NB2 Neoprene-Coated Glass Fibre Cloth	120°C continuous; 180°C short term	Weather-, oil- and corrosion-resistant cloth for external covers, pipe binding and moderate-temperature protective screens	Not suitable for the same severe heat exposure as loomstate, silica, graphite or vermiculite fabrics
S-G/CL/CASIL Calcium Silicate-Coated Glass Cloth	700°C continuous; 750°C short term	High-temperature surface with abrasion, chemical and water resistance for flexible joints and industrial protection	Confirm compatibility with the actual chemical, concentration, temperature, movement and exposure duration
S-G/CL/HTW. Heat-Treated Wire-Reinforced Glass Fibre Cloth	Maximum stated resistance up to 600°C; no separate continuous figure is published on the current page	Heat-treated, dimensionally stable fibreglass with stainless-steel wire reinforcement for curtains, seals and mechanically demanding fabrication	Wire reinforcement improves tensile stability but does not make the textile load-bearing structural material
S-G/CL/ABLU2 Blue Double-Sided Acrylic-Coated Glass Fibre Cloth	Maximum stated resistance up to 550°C	Rigid, 0.75 mm-thick, 1000 mm-wide weather- and abrasion-resistant cloth for covers, jacket facings and expansion joints	No separate short-term value is published; establish whether the coating must retain colour, flexibility and adhesion in service
S-G/CL/ACRYL Acrylic-Coated Glass Fibre Cloth	550°C continuous; 600°C temporary exposure	Smooth, relatively rigid 0.45 mm-thick outer fabric for removable machinery and valve insulation jackets	It is a protective facing rather than the complete insulating layer; check coating behaviour and cleanability for the process
S-G/CL/AL Aluminium-Foil E-Glass Cloth	Maximum stated resistance up to 550°C	Single-sided reflective foil facing that reduces emissivity and fraying for equipment covers, jackets and radiant-heat shielding	Reflective performance depends on surface condition, orientation and assembly; verify the laminate and adhesive at the operating temperature
S-G/CL/GRAPH Graphite-Coated Fibreglass Cloth	800°C continuous; 1000°C short term	Abrasion-resistant high-heat fabric for heavy-duty quilts, furnace protection and welding-related barriers	The 1000°C headline figure is intermittent, not the continuous operating limit
S-G/CL/VERM Vermiculite-Coated Fibreglass Cloth	800°C continuous; 1000°C short term	1.4 mm-thick, 1000 mm-wide flame- and molten-splash-resistant fabric for furnace curtains, hot gaskets and thermal barriers	Suitability for a particular molten metal, direct-flame pattern or safety function must be confirmed for the full installation
S-S/CL Silica Fibre Cloth	1000°C maximum continuous service temperature	Flexible satin-weave silica fabric with high tensile and abrasion resistance for filtration, heat shields and extreme-temperature covers	Filtration performance depends on pore structure, loading, pressure drop, sealing and process chemistry, not temperature alone
S-S/CL/84VERM Vermiculite-Coated Silica Fibre Cloth	1100°C continuous service	High-temperature satin-weave cloth with improved abrasion resistance for turbine covers, expansion bellows, filters and severe thermal barriers	The highest continuous rating in the listed range does not remove the need to check mechanical load, flame velocity and chemical exposure
S-CF/CL/SS-2 Biosoluble Ceramic Fibre Cloth	1000°C continuous; 1100°C short term	2 mm-thick, 1000 mm-wide biosoluble fibre cloth with stainless-steel wire reinforcement for furnace curtains, splash barriers and thermal seals	Biosoluble and low-hazard classification does not eliminate fibre-control measures or the need to follow the current safety data sheet
S-G/MESH Acrylic-Coated Glass Fibre Reinforcement Mesh	No maximum service temperature published for the mesh as a stand-alone product	5 × 5 mm mesh, 1000 mm wide, for reinforcing compatible plaster, render, HB60 adhesive and construction-board systems	Not a solid thermal barrier, welding curtain or high-temperature blanket; performance depends on the complete reinforced system

Continuous Temperature Is Not the Same as Peak Temperature

A continuous rating describes sustained exposure under the product's stated conditions. A short-term or temporary figure permits a higher peak for a limited period, but it should not be used as the normal design point. The safe duration, number of cycles and acceptable change in strength, flexibility, coating integrity or appearance may vary. Where a page publishes only a maximum temperature, obtain confirmation before treating it as continuous.

Temperature at the cloth can also differ from the furnace, pipe or gas-stream reading. Contact temperature, hot-gas convection, radiant heat, flame impingement and molten splash impose different loads. Record the expected normal temperature, credible peak, duration, cycling rate and measurement location before selecting a fabric.

How Fibre Type Changes Fabric Performance

Fibre Family	General Strength	Selection Consideration
E-glass fibre	Good mechanical strength, broad availability and flexible fabrication for moderate and elevated temperatures	Uncoated loomstate cloth and each coated version have different handling and service limits
Silica fibre	Higher continuous temperature capability for furnace, filtration and severe radiant-heat duties	Check abrasion, flexing, process chemistry and sealing at joints or filter interfaces
Biosoluble ceramic fibre	High-temperature insulation and flexibility with stainless-steel reinforcement	Manage fibres and dust under the safety data sheet even where the material carries a low-hazard classification
Glass fibre mesh	Alkali-resistant reinforcement within compatible wet-applied construction systems	Open mesh performs a reinforcing function rather than providing thermal coverage or containment

What the Coating Adds

• Polyurethane: low air permeability, heat reflection and a published B-s1, d0 reaction-to-fire classification, with the PU finish carrying its own lower temperature limit.
• Silicone: double-sided water repellence, chemical resistance, flexibility and abrasion protection for removable jackets and flexible connectors.
• Neoprene: oil, weather and corrosion resistance for moderate-temperature external duty.
• Acrylic: increased rigidity, handling stability, abrasion resistance and a smoother outer surface for jackets or reinforcement mesh.
• Aluminium foil: a low-emissivity reflective face and reduced fraying; performance falls if the foil becomes dirty, damaged or incorrectly orientated.
• Calcium silicate: improved high-temperature, abrasion, chemical and weather performance for demanding flexible components.
• Graphite or vermiculite: extended high-temperature performance and improved resistance to abrasion, flame or molten splash, subject to application-specific verification.

Selecting Fabric for Common Applications

Application	Properties to Prioritise	Design Warning
Removable insulation jackets	Outer-surface temperature, water or oil exposure, abrasion, flexibility, cleanability and compatibility with the internal insulation	The facing cloth alone does not provide the jacket's total thermal resistance
Furnace-door curtains and heat screens	Continuous and peak radiation, flame impingement, drape, edge reinforcement and support spacing	Do not describe a fabricated curtain as fire-rated without evidence for the complete assembly
Welding screens and blankets	Spark, hot-particle and ultraviolet exposure, orientation, overlap, mechanical damage and relevant test performance	A high-temperature cloth is not automatically compliant with the standard required for a welding screen
Flexible expansion joints	Temperature, pressure, gas tightness, movement cycles, chemical compatibility and fatigue	The fabric is one layer in an engineered joint and must not carry unsupported pressure or structural load
Molten-metal splash barriers	Metal type, mass, temperature, impact angle, exposure time and run-off geometry	Performance against one molten material cannot be assumed for every alloy or process
High-temperature filtration	Fibre chemistry, weave, pore size, pressure drop, dust loading, gas chemistry and cleaning cycle	A temperature rating alone does not establish filtration efficiency or emissions compliance
Plaster and render reinforcement	Mesh size, alkali resistance, embedment depth and compatibility with the specified basecoat	Use reinforcement mesh inside the approved system, not as an exposed heat shield

Fabrication and Installation Checklist

1. Define the thermal duty. Record continuous temperature, peak temperature, duration, radiant or contact exposure and heating cycles.
2. Identify the required surface properties. Decide whether impermeability, water repellence, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, reflectivity or cleanability is essential.
3. Confirm dimensions. Check nominal width, thickness, length, roll format and allowances for hems, overlaps, shrinkage, cutting waste and fixing zones.
4. Design the complete assembly. Select sewing thread, wire, eyelets, hooks, fasteners and supports with ratings compatible with the fabric and process.
5. Protect cut edges. Use an appropriate hemming, sealing or mechanical-edge method to control fraying without introducing a low-temperature component.
6. Allow movement. Avoid over-tensioning curtains, bellows and jacket facings that must accommodate thermal expansion or equipment vibration.
7. Control fibres and dust. Follow the current safety data sheet for cutting, sewing, installation, removal and disposal; use suitable extraction and PPE where the risk assessment requires it.
8. Inspect after commissioning. Check for coating loss, brittleness, holes, seam damage, contamination, loose fixings and local overheating.

Fire Protection, Welding and PPE Claims

Non-combustibility, a reaction-to-fire classification or a high service temperature describes only part of performance. Fire curtains, smoke-control barriers, welding screens, emergency blankets and protective clothing can be subject to application-specific standards and conformity requirements. HSE guidance states that welding curtains and screens should conform to BS EN ISO 25980 or provide an equivalent level of protection. Do not infer this conformity from a fabric temperature rating.

Similarly, buying cloth marketed for heat shields or protective garments does not create certified PPE. The final product must be designed, manufactured, assessed and marked as required for the identified hazards. Employers should select PPE from a risk assessment and verify protection against the actual combination of heat, flame, molten material, chemicals and mechanical exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which high-temperature fabric has the highest continuous rating?

Within the current listing, S-S/CL/84VERM vermiculite-coated silica fibre cloth has the highest published continuous service temperature at 1100°C. Silica cloth and biosoluble ceramic fibre cloth are rated to 1000°C continuously, while the latter permits 1100°C short-term exposure.

What is the difference between glass fibre, silica and ceramic fibre cloth?

E-glass cloth combines flexibility and mechanical strength for moderate to high temperatures, with loomstate material rated to 550°C continuously. Silica cloth extends continuous service to 1000°C or 1100°C with vermiculite coating. Biosoluble ceramic fibre cloth provides flexible high-temperature insulation, rated to 1000°C continuously and reinforced with stainless-steel wire.

Does a coating increase the temperature rating?

It depends on the coating. Graphite, vermiculite and calcium silicate increase the useful high-temperature range of particular glass or silica fabrics. Silicone and neoprene improve environmental and mechanical resistance but impose lower intact-coating limits than the glass core. Always use the finished product's published data, not the base fibre rating alone.

What is the difference between continuous and short-term temperature?

The continuous figure applies to sustained service under specified conditions. The short-term figure is a temporary peak and should not be used as the normal operating temperature. Repeated excursions can damage fibres, coatings, seams or fixings even when each individual peak appears brief.

Can high-temperature fabric be exposed directly to flame?

Only when the selected product and complete assembly are specifically suitable for the flame pattern, velocity and duration. Some vermiculite-coated products are promoted for direct-flame barriers, but this does not establish suitability for every burner, furnace opening or emergency system.

Which cloth is suitable for removable insulation jackets?

Silicone-, acrylic- and aluminium-faced glass fabrics are common jacket facings, while higher-temperature silica or vermiculite fabrics may suit more severe locations. Choose the outer cloth together with the internal insulation, stitching, closures and hot-face arrangement. The fabric by itself is not a complete insulation jacket.

Can these fabrics be used as welding blankets or curtains?

Several products have relevant heat, spark or abrasion properties, including loomstate, wire-reinforced, graphite-, vermiculite- and ceramic-fibre cloths. The completed blanket or screen must still match the welding process and required standard. HSE identifies BS EN ISO 25980 for welding curtains and screens.

Are these fabrics suitable for outdoor use?

Neoprene, silicone, acrylic and calcium-silicate finishes provide varying degrees of weather or moisture resistance. Outdoor selection must also consider ultraviolet exposure, wind loading, standing water, contamination, fixing corrosion and the actual surface temperature. Heat resistance alone does not make a textile weatherproof.

Can high-temperature fabrics be cut and sewn?

Many are supplied by the metre for fabrication, but cutting can release irritating fibres and unprotected edges may fray. Use tools, thread, hems and fasteners appropriate to the material and temperature. Follow the current safety data sheet and include fabrication allowances before ordering.

Can fabric from this category be used to make protective clothing?

A fabric may be suitable as a component in protective clothing, but raw cloth is not certified PPE. The garment design, seams, closures, coverage, comfort, durability and protection against the defined hazard must be assessed as a complete product under the applicable requirements.

What is glass fibre reinforcement mesh used for?

S-G/MESH is an acrylic-coated 5 × 5 mm construction mesh used with compatible plasters, renders, HB60 adhesive and boards. It helps distribute stress and reduce cracking. Its open structure means it is not a thermal curtain, solid heat shield or substitute for woven high-temperature cloth.

Does aluminium foil cloth reflect radiant heat?

The foil face provides a low-emissivity reflective surface, but performance depends on keeping that surface clean and correctly orientated, usually towards an appropriate air space. Damage, oxidation and deposited dust can reduce reflectivity, and the full laminate must remain within its stated service conditions.

Are chemical-resistant fabrics resistant to every chemical?

No. General statements about oils, solvents, acids or alkalis do not cover every substance or concentration. Chemical compatibility can change sharply with temperature, pressure and exposure time. Obtain product-specific confirmation for the process medium before specifying the cloth.

How much fabric should be ordered?

Calculate the finished area, then add material for seams, hems, overlaps, attachment zones, pattern layout and cutting waste. Confirm the selected product's width and sales unit; many listed cloths are approximately 1000 mm wide and sold by the linear metre, while full roll lengths vary.