Using ceramic-fiber materials in corrosive environments

Products made of yttria-stabilized zirconia fiber have exceptional resistance to most corrosive environments. They undergo little attack by molten alkali-metal chlorides and carbonates at temperatures as high as 700 C (1,300 F) and to aqueous solutions of alkali-metal hydroxides at temperatures as high as 230 C (450 F). Fibrous yttria-stabilized zirconia can withstand short-term exposure to mineral acids at their boiling point and has outstanding resistance to oxidizing, reducing and vacuum atmospheres at high temperatures. High-density vacuum-formed zirconia insulation (type FBD) can withstand oxidizing and reducing conditions to temperatures as high as 2,200 C (3,992 F). Products made of high-purity alumina fiber with high-purity alumina binder systems show high resistance to chemical attack and provide long service life in many corrosive and demanding applications.