High Temperature Fabrics – Knitted Fabrics
High temperature knitted fabrics are specialized textiles designed to withstand elevated temperatures without compromising their structural integrity or performance. Here’s an overview of these fabrics:
Composition:
Heat-Resistant Fibers: High temperature knitted fabrics are typically made from heat-resistant fibers such as fiberglass, aramid (e.g., Nomex® or Kevlar®), carbon, ceramic, or silicone-coated materials. These fibers provide the fabric with thermal stability and resistance to heat.
Knitted Construction: These fabrics are produced using knitting techniques, where yarns are interlooped to create a flexible and stretchable structure. Knitting allows for the creation of fabrics with various thicknesses, weights, and textures to suit specific applications.
Key Features:
Thermal Resistance: High temperature knitted fabrics are designed to withstand elevated temperatures ranging from several hundred to several thousand degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the fiber composition and construction.
Flexibility and Drape: Despite their high temperature resistance, knitted fabrics remain flexible and have good drape properties, allowing them to conform to complex shapes and contours. This flexibility makes them suitable for applications requiring flexibility and ease of handling.
Low Thermal Conductivity: These fabrics often have low thermal conductivity, which helps to minimize heat transfer through the fabric, providing thermal insulation and protection to underlying surfaces or materials.
Abrasion Resistance: High temperature knitted fabrics are typically durable and resistant to abrasion, ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments.
Chemical Resistance: Depending on the fiber composition, these fabrics may exhibit resistance to chemicals, oils, solvents, and other corrosive substances, enhancing their suitability for specific industrial applications.
Non-Flammable Properties: Many high temperature knitted fabrics are inherently non-flammable or flame-resistant, providing an additional layer of safety in applications where exposure to open flames or high heat is a concern.
Applications:
Protective Clothing: High temperature knitted fabrics are used in the manufacture of protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, industrial workers, and others working in high-temperature environments. These fabrics provide thermal insulation and protection against heat, flames, and molten metal splash.
Insulation and Sealing: They are used as insulation materials in high-temperature applications such as furnace linings, oven mitts, gaskets, and seals to prevent heat loss and maintain thermal efficiency.
Industrial Applications: High temperature knitted fabrics find applications in various industrial sectors, including aerospace, automotive, metallurgy, and glass manufacturing, where they are used for heat shields, thermal barriers, conveyor belts, and insulation blankets.
Fire Protection: They are used in fire protection systems and equipment, including fire curtains, fire doors, and firefighting gear, to contain fires, prevent heat transfer, and protect structures and personnel.
Technical Textiles: High temperature knitted fabrics are used in technical textiles for filtration, insulation, and reinforcement applications, such as filter bags, thermal insulation pads, and composite materials.
Automotive and Aerospace: These fabrics are used in the automotive and aerospace industries for heat protection in engine compartments, exhaust systems, and aircraft interiors, as well as in the manufacture of heat shields, ducting, and insulation materials.
Marine and Oil & Gas: They are used in marine and oil & gas applications for thermal insulation of pipes, tanks, and equipment, as well as for fireproofing and safety barriers in offshore platforms and vessels.
Overall, high temperature knitted fabrics play a crucial role in providing thermal protection, insulation, and safety in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential applications where exposure to high temperatures is a concern. Their versatility, durability, and performance make them essential materials in various sectors requiring heat-resistant textiles.