The temperature properties of asbestos: this article describes the heat resistance of asbestos in various forms and notes the effects of high temperature on asbestos fibers, cloth, or other products.

This article series describes the physical properties of asbestos including its mechanical, chemical, electrical and related properties both in pure asbestos form and when asbestos is mixed with other materials like cement or rubber. As the author points out, while this is a lenghty article, there is far more detailed information about asbestos properties, chemistry, etc.

Page top photograph: aluminized asbestos fabric used as the vibration dampener on a warm air furnace ©Daniel Friedman. In the textile field ASTM Grade AAAA asbestos fabric has been reported to have a service temperature as high as 900°F.

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Temperature Properties of Asbestos Fabric or Cloth by Grade

As Rosato notes at ASBESTOS PROPERTIES, some forms of asbestos actually become stronger when subjected to high temperatures.

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Asbestos fiber or paper treated with a 20 per cent, by weight, of aqueous solution of magnesium chloride, dried, dipped in a 20 per cent aqueous solution of concentrated ammonium hydroxide, and dried at 175° F, causes an increase in strength ten times greater than its original strength. It also produces a 165 per cent increase in dielectric strength.

When asbestos fibers are subjected to a temperature of 1,200°F, their tensile strength values are extremely high. In comparison, tensile strength values of organic and inorganic fibers are completely destroyed or melt between 200 and 900°F.

Ultimate tensile strength of chrysotile asbestos fibers is approximately 42,000 psi after two minutes at 1,2Q0°F ; 32 per cent strength retention occurs.

After one hour at 1,200°F, tensile strength drops to 2,000 psi. When the fibers are com- bined with silicone resin to produce structural plastics, the reinforced plastic can retain 50 per cent of its room temperature tensile strength or produce a minimum 10,000 psi after 5 to 10 hr. at 1,200°F.

With phenolic resins, asbestos products are produced which will provide insulation and retain strength when subjected to 5,000°F for periods of minutes (1 to 30 minutes) . See Figure 2.1 in which a rocket motor part is subjected to a temperature of 5,000°F. Figure 2.1. Rocket motor aft (asbestos-phenolic insulator) before and after firing at 5,000°F.

The temperature approximately 1/8 in. from the surface exposed to 5,000°F will be approximately 200°F after 1/2 to 1 min. of exposure.

When combined with magnesium carbonate and other similar products, heat insulators can be produced which will be useful for many years in such applications as boilers operating at temperatures from 500° to 1,200°F or 1,800°F.

Although asbestos fiber mechanically breaks down at approximately 1,500°F, it does not completely disintegrate until 2,770°F. At this temperature, it can be related to such a ceramic material as magnesium oxide. When combined with other materials, it provides for interesting products in different temperature and time environments.

In an effort to investigate the elevated temperature properties of some of the asbestos textile products and to make comparisons between various grades and constructions, a test set-up was adopted that had previously been developed and used to determine the high temperature serviceability of treated leather and some glass textiles.

The unit consists of a Glo-bar heating element sop ositioned that a sample of material to be tested can be placed in contact with it. The material can be drawn or dragged over the heated Glo-bar while suspending a load of 2 lb. In this work, the samples contacted the heating element four times per min for a duration of 7 1/2 sec over a 4-in. length.

The sample moved over the heating element at a rate of 80 ft per hr. Abrasion occurs during the test.

* Shaw , M. C., Report No. 42, Sept., 1957, Report No. 44, March, 1958. Asbestos Textile Institute, Phila., Penna.

Fabrics composed wholly of glass have also been tested on this machine; it has been found that such materials fail immediately at 1,100°F. Upon making contact with the heat- ing element at 1,100°F, the glass materials melt and the sample tears apart.

Asbestos fabrics in grades from Underwriters through AAA were studied. However, several other styles of chryso- tile asbestos textiles were included, as well as samples of a blue asbestos cloth in a style comparable to the standard 36P10 construction.

Tests performed on samples of blue asbestos revealed that under the conditions of the test, this material proved to be quite durable up to 1,500°F however, at 1,600°F failure was induced after 5 1/2 mm at 1,700°F failure was promoted after one min; at 1,800°F failure occurred upon the second contact or in approximately 10 sec.

Failure in the latter case was caused primarily by melting; the abrasive action served only in a minor degree to hasten destruction. Chrysotile data are given in Table 2.8 fpimd below.

An asbestos textile may be composed entirely of asbestos fibers with varying amounts of an organic fiber, usually cotton and rayon. The resistance to degradation by heat is principally a function of the asbestos content and the higher the asbestos content the higher will be its elevated temperature serviceability characteristics.

However, features of construction, weight and weave may also influence the ele vated temperature properties and there should be an ap- preciation of the potential influence of these factors if the most efficacious adoption of an asbestos textile to a given application is to be effected.

TABLE 2.8. GLO-BAR TEST ON ASBESTOS FABRIC (CHRYSOTILE) Time in Mm, oF

* Review chapter on Textile for identification of grades.
! Shaw, M. S., Report No. 45, June 6, 1958. Asbestos Textile Insti- tute, Philadelphia, Penna.

The generally accepted system of grading or classification for asbestos textiles includes six grades ranging from 75 to 100 per cent asbestos content (see chapter on Textiles).

Manufacturing operations are such that as the asbestos content is lowered and the cotton or other organic fiber content is increased, it is possible to utilize asbestos fibers of a shorter length than when there is a complete absence of or only very small amounts of organic fiber present. The organic fibers normally serve as a carrier fiber in the manufacturing operation and contribute quite markedly to the original strength of the textiles so formulated.

However, as the asbestos content of the cloth is increased and the organic fiber content decreases, it becomes necessary to utilize asbestos fibers of greater length. This action serves to improve both the high temperature degradation resistance characteristics and the strength properties over the entire range of serviceability.

FIGURE 2.3 above describes the temperature properties of asbestos cloth or fabric of different grades. [Click to see an enlarged, detailed version of this or any image or table at InspectApedia.com]

Asbestos textiles are manufactured in a great many styles and weaves, each being designed and manufactured to meet specific application. Present day fabrics normally range weights from 1.00 to 3.70 lb per sq yd in single cloth constructions.

FIGURE 2.4 above describes the hight temperature properties of asbestos cloth or fabricbased on temperature. [Click to see an enlarged, detailed version of this or any image or table at InspectApedia.com]

Asbestos yarns range from 8 to 35 cut; these are utilized to provide several varieties of designs and weaves. The varying . conditions of design and construction definitely influence the physical properties and elevated temperature characteristics of each type of cloth ; the extent of this influence must be understood if there is to be a proper application of these materials.

The elevated temperature serviceability characteristics of wide variety of asbestos textiles have been determined as function of the tensile strength retention properties ; this information is set forth graphically in Figures 2.3 and 2.4.

Thermal Insulation Properties of Asbestos

There are some organic and inorganic materials which can be classified as better insulating agents against heat and electricity) than asbestos. However, in many instances, these materials lack physical and chemical properties. Asbestos possesses a combination of different properties which make ft particularly suitable for insulation.

TABLE 2.11. EMISSIVITY OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS
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Material Temperature, F Total Normal Emissivity

Shaw M C Asbestos Textile Institute Phila.,Penna.. (April 1951)

Organic fibers in cork may be strong and resistant enough for heat insulation, but they are subject to oxidization and to thermal decomposition. Magnesia, less sensitive against oxygen and decomposition than cotton, has no inherent strength. Asbestos combines these properties as well as others. In heat insulation, it is important that numerous air cells or air pockets exist. Asbestos provides for this type of structure.

Thermal reflectivity of materials is an important characteristic. The ratio of heat radiated by a body to that of a black body or the emissivity of asbestos is desirable for insulation. In Table 2.11 [shown above] emissivity of various materials is listed.

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