Differences Between Fiberglass Needle Mat and Silica Needle Mat

Fiberglass needle mat and silica needle mat are both non-woven materials, but they have significant differences in composition, temperature resistance, and applications.

1. Material Composition

Fiberglass Needle Mat
Made from regular fiberglass (such as E-glass or C-glass) through a needling process, without organic binders. The main component is SiO₂ (typically 50-60%).

Silica Needle Mat
Made from high-silica fiberglass (SiO₂ content ≥96%) and processed through special treatments, making it a high-performance, heat-resistant fiber material.

2. Temperature Resistance

Fiberglass Needle Mat: Generally withstands temperatures below 600°C, with a long-term use limit of around 550°C. Beyond this temperature, fiberglass may start to crystallize or soften.

Silica Needle Mat: Far superior in heat resistance, enduring over 1000°C, with short-term resistance up to 1600°C, making it ideal for extreme high-temperature environments.

3. Key Features

Property	Fiberglass Needle Mat	Silica Needle Mat
Material	Regular fiberglass (E-glass, C-glass)	High-silica fiberglass (SiO₂ ≥96%)
Temperature Range	Max 600°C, long-term use ≤550°C	Max 1600°C, long-term use ≥1000°C
Mechanical Strength	High strength, good flexibility	Maintains stability at high temperatures
Chemical Stability	Corrosion and acid/alkali resistant	Excellent oxidation and chemical resistance at high temperatures
Thermal Insulation	Good insulation properties	Superior high-temperature insulation, low thermal conductivity
Main Applications	Insulation, sound absorption, filtration	Extreme high-temperature protection, aerospace, military, fireproofing

4. Main Applications

Fiberglass Needle Mat Applications:

Industrial insulation (boilers, chimneys, pipeline insulation)

Automotive heat & sound insulation (engine covers, exhaust system insulation)

Air filtration (high-temperature filtration materials)

Building insulation (fireproof doors, wall insulation)

Silica Needle Mat Applications:

Aerospace (rocket insulation, high-temperature shielding for aircraft)

Military (fireproof clothing, explosion-proof blankets)

High-temperature industrial equipment (steel, metallurgy, high-temperature insulation)

Fireproof materials (furnace linings, refractory insulation in aluminum smelting)

Conclusion

Fiberglass needle mat is cost-effective and suitable for applications below 600°C, while silica needle mat offers exceptional high-temperature resistance (>1000°C) and is mainly used in aerospace, military, and extreme heat protection fields.