Ceramic Fiber Board | Everything You Need to Know in 2023

Introduction

Ceramic fiber boards have seen increased demand in recent years, especially in electronics. Fiber ceramic boards are used to make PCB for electronic equipment when high-temperature resistance and durability are required.

As electronic devices get more complicated and advanced, there is more need for premium PCBs that can handle extreme temperatures and thermal shock. This has increased the need for ceramic fiber boards, which are a key part of making PCBs.

At PCBMay, we’ve seen this trend, so we’ve invested money into developing new ceramic fiber board technologies to meet our customers’ changing needs. Our ceramic fiber boards fulfill the high quality and durability criteria since we know quality and dependability are essential in electronics.

If you want the best fiber ceramic board, all you have to do is go to PCBMay. With 15 years of expertise, we have perfected fiber ceramic PCB fabrication to cut costs and maximize performance.

The Fiber Ceramic Board is a topic that is rife with information. Let’s dig in.

What is Ceramic Fiber Board?

Fiber ceramic board is a strong and durable composite material formed from ceramic fibers and binders pressed and burned at high temperatures. It is utilized in furnace linings, kiln walls, and PCBs for electrical equipment.

It is a high-density insulation that is made by pressing alumina-silica fibers and binders together under a vacuum. It is stable at high temperatures, has relatively low thermal conductivity, and is resistant to thermal shocks and chemicals.

Fiber ceramic boards employ heat and chemically-resistant ceramic fibers manufactured from alumina, silica, or zirconia. The result is a strong, lightweight material that can withstand temperatures to 2300°F (1260°C) without getting weaker or losing its strength.

Fiber Ceramic Board

Fiber Ceramic Board

Is Ceramic Fiber Board Better Than Plywood?

Compared to plywood, fiber ceramic board can withstand higher temperatures, making it a more desirable material for industrial applications. Fiber ceramic board is manufactured from ceramic fibers and binders compacted and fired at high temperatures to create a robust and durable board. It’s perfect for furnace linings and kiln walls since it can resist 2300°F (1260°C) without deteriorating.

Fiber ceramic boards can handle high temperatures and withstand thermal shocks very well. This means that it won’t break or crack when the temperature changes quickly. This quality makes it excellent for use in industrial furnaces, which experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

Plywood

Plywood

In contrast, plywood is superior for general construction applications, such as constructing walls and furnishings. It is easy to find, cheap, and simple to work with. When portability is an issue, plywood is better than fiber ceramic board.

What Is a Ceramic Fiber Board Made Of?

Depending on the use and manufacturer, the exact parts of the material may be different, but most fiber ceramic boards are formed from the following:

Ceramic fibers

Fiber ceramic boards are mostly made up of these ceramic fibers. Ceramic fibers are often constructed from materials with high thermal and chemical resistance, such as alumina, silica, or zirconia. When the fibers are weaved into a mat, they are further trimmed and formed into the required form.

Binders

Binders bind the ceramic fibers together, making the material strong and long-lasting. Different types of binders, like inorganic or organic binders, can be used depending on the application’s needs.

Additives

Sometimes additives like alumina, zirconia, or silica are used to the end product to enhance its properties or improve its performance.

What Are the Standard Sizes of Ceramic Fiber Board?

Fiber ceramic board is a flexible material that you can use in many different industrial contexts. The size and thickness of the board you need should be considered when deciding on a ceramic fiber board for your project. Thankfully, fiber ceramic board comes in various standard sizes that may be used for various projects.

While the exact dimensions of a fiber ceramic board could vary depending on the manufacturer,

  • 500 mm x 1000 mm and
  • 600 x 1000 mm

are common sizes.

Fiber ceramic board thickness also differs from one producer to another and from one use to another. Normal thicknesses are between 1/4″ and 2″, with the most frequent being 1/2″ and 1″.

Several manufacturers provide customized sizes alongside standard sizes to satisfy the unique demands of their clients. This is especially helpful for uses that demand unusual dimensions.

What Is the Temperature Rating of the Ceramic Fiber Board?

Fiber ceramic board can withstand high temperatures and is used in many industrial settings. As a result of its high resistance to heat, this material retains its original form and strength even when subjected to harsh conditions. Interestingly, several variables affect the fiber ceramic board’s temperature rating, such as the ceramic fibers type, the binder technique, and the production process.

Fiber ceramic boards are helpful for high-temperature applications since they can resist temperatures from 1000°F (538°C) to 2600°F (1427°C). The exact temperature rating can change based on the type of ceramic fiber board and how it is used.

Pick a fiber ceramic board that fits the temperature range and circumstances for high-temperature applications. Partnering with a trusted manufacturer and supplier may help you acquire a high-quality, high-temperature-resistant product.

What are the components of Ceramic Fiber board?

There are primarily two types of ceramic fibers:

  • Ceramic oxide fibers
  • Non-oxide ceramic fibers

Ceramic oxide fibers

As early as the 1970s, companies began selling various lengths of ceramic oxide fibers. These fibers, predominantly alumina (Al2O3) and alumina-silica (Al2O3-SiO2) composites, are employed in high-temperature applications because of their high melting points.

In addition to its insulating properties, fibers made of ceramic oxide are also utilized in the strengthening process. Most oxide ceramic fibers are made from oxides like silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2), and zirconia (ZrO2), which have different properties.

Recently, there have been different ways to make oxide-based ceramic fibers, such as sol-gel spinning, slurry spinning, and single-crystal growth.

As far as oxide fibers go, alumina (Al2O3)-based ones are the most popular. These fibers are strong at high temperatures, resistant to thermal shock and creep, maintain their shape well, and have a small thermal expansion coefficient.

Fibers made from alumina are often used to stiffen and strengthen ceramic, metal,  and polymer composites. The resultant composites can resist greater temperatures than metals and are appropriate for load-bearing applications.

Ceramic fiber board component

Ceramic fiber board component

Nonoxide ceramic fibers

It’s hard to make non-oxide fibers because they have high melting points and are reluctant to get dense. Most of the time, they don’t have enough oxidation resistance.

These fibers’ processing, microstructure, and physical and heat stability studies have all been reported. The diameter of these ceramic fibers can be thin or thick.

Boron-based: Boron-based fibers are made using CVD techniques. Boron is usually coated on a thin tungsten wire (12 m in diameter) that serves as a substrate. But you can also use a carbon substrate.

The density of a 100 m boron fiber is 2.6 g/cm3. It doesn’t melt until it gets to 2040°C. Boron fiber has a typical tensile strength of 3–4 GPa and Young’s modulus of 380–400 GPa.

Due to their exceptional mechanical qualities and low density, they are utilized in military aircraft, space shuttles, and many more areas.

Other Fibers:  There are many other non-oxide fibers besides the ones listed above. Silicon oxynitride fibers are another form of synthetic ceramic material.

Can You Paint or Coat Ceramic Fiber Board?

To answer your question, ceramic fiber boards can be painted or coated, but doing so requires careful attention to detail.

It is dependent on the type of paint or coating that is applied to the fiber ceramic board. Paints like latex and acrylic-latex could work on specific boards, while others need heat- and UV-resistant coats.

Painted ceramic fiberboard

Painted ceramic fiberboard

You must ensure the fiber ceramic board’s surface is clear of oils, dirt, and other pollutants that might prevent the pigment or varnish from sticking to the board before applying it. Selecting a high-temperature paint or coating that can survive your application’s temperature range is also vital.

For further protection against heat, chemicals, and abrasion, fiber ceramic boards often have ceramic coatings. Spraying, brushing, or dipping are all viable options for applying ceramic coatings. Some ceramic coatings must be cured at high temperatures to get their full endurance and strength.

What Is the Difference Between Ceramic Fiber Board and MDF?

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and fiber ceramic board are materials often utilized in various applications. Although they have certain commonalities, such as the use of composite materials comprised of diverse parts, they also vary greatly from one another.

Composition

Their composition makes fiber ceramic boards different from medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Using ceramic fibers, binders, and other additives, manufacturers create ceramic fiber boards, a high-temperature-resistant material. MDF, on the other hand, is manufactured from wood fibers combined with resin and other components.

Properties

The characteristics of ceramic fiber boards are quite different when compared to MDF. Industrial applications are perfect for ceramic fiber boards because of their durability and resistance to heat, thermal stress, and chemicals.

Nonetheless, MDF is often utilized in the furniture and interior building industries because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, low moisture content, and ease of machining.

Density

The density of fiber ceramic board often makes it more difficult to handle and treat than MDF. Even so, MDF is normally easy to handle and manufacture, fiber ceramic board may be fragile and may need particular treatment to prevent cracking or breaking.

Medium-density fiberboard

Medium-density fiberboard

How long does Ceramic Fiber Board last?

Fiber ceramic boards have a lifespan of at least five years and sometimes much longer. Fiber ceramic boards of good quality may be expected to survive for 30 years or more under normal conditions.

Lifespan considerations for fiber ceramic boards include their intended usage, operating temperature, number of uses, and upkeep. Fiber ceramic board is constructed to last long and endure extreme temperatures and other situations.

What Are the Different Grades of Ceramic Fiber Boards Available on the Market?

In order to fulfill the needs of a wide range of industries, fiber ceramic boards come in a variety of grades. Some common types of fiber ceramic board that you can buy on the market are:

 

Standard grade

Fiber ceramic board of standard grade is a general-purpose material that is used in many large factories. It can endure temperatures up to 2300°F (1260°C) and has high strength and thermal insulation qualities.

High-purity grade

Applications needing high purity and little outgassing use high-purity fiber ceramic boards. It finds widespread use in the semiconductor industry, aircraft, and other cutting-edge fields. Use on a permanent basis up to 1149 °C (2100 °F).

Zirconia-grade

Zirconia-grade fiber ceramic board is developed for uses that need high resistance to thermal stress and chemical corrosion. This material is often put to use in kilns and furnaces that reach very high temperatures.

You may use it nonstop in temperatures as high as 2462 degrees Fahrenheit (1350 degrees Celsius).

Fiber Ceramic Boards Grades

Fiber Ceramic Boards Grades

What Are the Benefits of a Ceramic Fiber Board?

Fiber ceramic board is a strong and reliable material that can be used in many ways. Industries have discovered its use in extreme conditions.

Ceramic fiberboards are hard to beat regarding durability, density, and resistance to erosion from air movement. Their surface fibers resist being peeled off, allowing them to come into direct touch with a flame.

They can’t be used as fire blankets, for regulating the temperature of a kiln, or for any fiber blanket.

Lightweight and just a quarter of the weight of the refractory bricks, ceramic fiberboard’s exceptional qualities significantly alleviate the load bearing of the furnace body. Traditional refractory bricks are easily cracked and have a low tolerance for temperature extremes.

Ceramic fiber boards have very high thermal stability and are immune to this effect.

 

What Are the Uses of a Ceramic Fiber Board?

The fiber ceramic board has seen its use in different areas. If you are confused about its application and thinking about implementing it in your project, these are some of the uses of fiber ceramic board:

Aerospace Industry

The lightweight characteristics of ceramic fiber board and its resilience to high temperatures make it useful in the aerospace sector. It keeps engines, exhaust pipes, and other high-temperature parts from getting too hot.

Aerospace PCBs are a no-brainer if you are in the aerospace industry or building aerospace projects.

Manufacturing industry

Manufacturing industry It is put to use in high-temperature situations such as furnaces and kiln linings.

Automotive Industry

Fiber ceramic board is used across the automobile industry to provide thermal insulation to various components, including engines and exhaust systems. As a result, engine efficiency increases and heat transmission decreases.

Automotive PCBs not only make your device efficient but also make it powerful.

Building industry

The construction industry is highly benefited due to the versatile properties of ceramic fiber fibers. It’s useful for lowering energy bills and increasing efficiency.

Can Ceramic Fiber Board Be Recycled?

Fiberboard is made using chemical adhesives, so it cannot be recycled or composted. Nevertheless, recycled resources, including wood chips, plant fibers, and leftover paper products, are often used to make fiberboard.

Fiber ceramic board isn’t like plastic or paper; it can’t be melted down and used to make new things. But you can use some recycling methods to get back some of the materials used to make fiber ceramic board.

Thermal recycling is one approach that may be used to recycle fiber ceramic board. This approach can also be taken.

Waterproof ceramic fiber board

Waterproof ceramic fiber board

At this step, the board is heated to high temperatures, and any organic components that may still be present are afterward removed. What’s left is a residue made up mostly of inorganic components that may be put to different uses.

What Are Some Common Maintenance Issues With Ceramic Fiber Board?

Although fiber ceramic board is very long-lasting and resilient, like any other material, it will eventually need to be maintained. But you have to be very careful about some of the maintenance issues related to the fiber board, so you don’t damage it.  The following is a list of frequent maintenance difficulties associated with fiber ceramic board, as well as solutions to those issues:

Cracks: Because of the way heat expands and contracts, fiber ceramic board can get cracks over time. Repairing cracks requires high-temperature silicone or a comparable substance.

Wear and tear: Fiber ceramic board can wear down over time.  To prevent wear and tear, you should clean the board often with a soft brush or a vacuum.

Moisture damage: While fiber ceramic board is moisture-resistant, evidence of water damage may appear over time. To avoid any potential problems, be sure to dry the board completely after any water contact.

Chemical damage: To a certain extent, fiber ceramic board may withstand chemical exposure, although very acidic or alkaline solutions can harm it. If a chemical gets on the board, wash it quickly with water right away to avoid damage.

Is Fiber Ceramic Board Waterproof?

Ceramic fiber board is not waterproof but can endure water, steam, or oil exposure without changing its physical or thermal qualities.

A ceramic fiber board is made of inorganic materials that don’t break down when exposed to high temperatures or water. Unfortunately, it is not completely water resistant and may be destroyed if exposed to excessive amounts of liquid over a long length of time.

Several manufacturers provide ceramic fiber boards with specific coatings or sealants to increase water resistance (e.g., waterproof PCB). These coatings resist water and prevent the board from collecting moisture, extending its lifetime and performance.

Conclusion

The diverse uses of ceramic fiber boards attest to the diversity and durability of this material.

A ceramic fiber board is a good choice for use in the industry because it is a good insulator and can withstand heat, chemicals, and corrosion. It may be purchased in various dimensions, thicknesses, and temperature specifications, making it useful in various settings.

Since it may be purchased in a wide range of dimensions, thicknesses, and temperature ratings, it can be used in various settings.  If you’re looking for ceramic fiber boards for furnace insulation, kiln linings, or anything else requiring resistance to high temperatures, go no further than PCBMay.

At PCBMay, we know how important it is to give our customers high-quality products. Our fiber ceramic boards are the strongest and longest-standing in the industry because we use only the highest quality materials in their construction.

We are committed to giving you the best service, the best products, and the best prices.

If you need a reliable place to buy fiber ceramic boards, PCBMay is the place to go. Contact us immediately to learn how we can meet your needs and go above and beyond what you expect. We’re excited to work with you and assist you in achieving your goals.

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