The distinguishing properties of textiles made from raw materials like E-glass are their perfect resistance to high temperatures, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties, great mechanical strength, versatile implementation possibilities and uncomplicated processing characteristics. The diameter of the yarn measures 6 or 9 µm. Because the threads are so fine, final products have good flexibility.

Glass textiles made from continuous filament glass yarns are smooth, shiny and soft, and are available in loomstate, coated, finish and laminated forms. Because of their large volume, textured glass textiles have outstanding insulating characteristics. The fabric feels like natural fibre textiles to the touch. They can be used in a wide variety of applications, in raw form or treated with a wide variety of coatings. In many cases the fabric is caramelised (a thermal treatment, also called heat cleaning) to reduce the emission of smoke.

E-Glass and silica fabrics can be treated with different coatings or finishes to precisely meet customer specifications. Among the possibilities: reflective or water resistant surfaces, enhanced cut resistance, and increased thermal and mechanical resistance for higher performance in high temperature applications such as welding.

The following types of coatings are available:

• Synthetic coatings, such as polyurethane or other polymers for welding blankets, curtains and insulation pads.
• Silicone rubber or PTFE coatings for insulation pads, expansion joints and applications in the chemical industry.
• Finishes like weavelock, high temperature treatments HT900 and vermiculite coating for welding applications, special finish T1000 for silica fabrics (for high temperature pads).
• Laminated foils, i.e. aluminium foil, aluminized polyester foil (Mylar), aluminium transfer foil and stainless steel foil to increase the reflectivity of the product.
  

For higher temperature exposure, textured E-glass products are used with an added high temperature treatment. An inorganic finish is applied to the surface of the fabric, giving the fabric temperature resistance up to 750°C.

End products made from H.T. glass products take many different forms: yarn, cords, knitted ropes, tape, packing and sleeving. These products have perfect insulating characteristics as well as excellent abrasion and tear resistance. For additional strength and support in applications where fabrics will be subjected to high mechanical stress, stainless steel threads may be woven into the fabric.



End products made from H.T. glass products take many different forms:

• yarn
• cord
• knitted rope
• tape
• packing
• sleeving

These products have perfect insulating characteristics as well as excellent abrasion and tear resistance. For additional strength and support in applications where fabrics will be subjected to high mechanical stress, stainless steel threads may be woven into the fabric.

The general transition from asbestos to glass fibres has resulted in an increasingly wide range of applications for Hiltex needle felt – a mechanically (rather than organically) bonded glass fibre insulating blanket. A 100% “E” fibreglass matt, the felt is manufactured in web form and mechanically needled together to form thicknesses of 6 mm, 12,5 mm and 25 mm. Long textile fibres have been accurately chopped to provide maximum density, high insulation and strong physical properties at temperatures up to 648ºC (1200ºF).

Hiltex needle felt is non-corrosive, non-combustible, non-alkaline and chemically stable. Its excellent heat resistance, flexibility and low thermal conductivity makes it an effective,
low-cost replacement for asbestos mats, millboard refractory paper and other similar products.

Hiltex needle felt products are being used for increasingly complex applications in oil refineries, steam and gas turbines, exhaust systems on diesel tugs, tankers, pleasure yachts, Coast Guard and Navy vessels.
They are used to relieve stress at welding points, on valve flange covers and for acoustic absorption applications. In addition, needled blankets act as insulators for automotive thermostatic switches, on floor pans over catalytic converters and in luggage compartments.

In nuclear power plants, these blankets reduce labour costs during removal for inspection and service, and reduce re-insulation costs associated with poor-fitting rigid block.