Board · 6–25 mm
Silicate — indicative fig. M·108
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.60kgCO₂e/kg Low–mediumCompressive 9-25 MPa (perpendicular to board)MPa StructuralDesign life 30yr
Non-combustible calcium silicate board offering superior fire protection (up to 240 minutes), thermal insulation, and moisture resistance for Australian construction applications.
01 Physical
Density 250-1200 kg/m³ (varies by grade)kg/m³
Specific gravity 0.25-1.2
Porosity 70-85% (low density), 40-60% (high density)%
Water absorption 25-45% by weight (24hr immersion)%
Hardness Mohs 2-3
UV resistance Good - suitable for semi-exposed applications
Chemical resistance Excellent - pH 3-14 resistant
pH tolerance pH 3-14
Surface roughness Ra 3-10 μm (sanded), Ra 1-3 μm (smooth)µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 0.9-6 MPaMPa
Compressive strength 9-25 MPa (perpendicular to board)MPa
Flexural strength 4.5-10 MPa (longitudinal)MPa
Shear strength 2-4 MPaMPa
Poisson's ratio 0.15-0.25
Impact resistance Good - suitable for normal building use
Creep resistance Excellent - minimal deformation under load
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.05-0.17 W/m·K at 20°CW/m·K
Specific heat 840-920 J/kg·KJ/kg·K
Thermal expansion 8-12 × 10⁻⁶ /°C×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible (AS 1530.1)
Fire resistance level FRL up to 240/240/240
Ignition temp >1000°C°C
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0-3
Heat release rate Negligible
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 150-300 kg CO2e/m³
Carbon footprint 0.2-0.4 kg CO2e/kg
Embodied energy 2-4 MJ/kgMJ/kg
Water footprint 5-10 L/kgL/kg
Recyclability 100% (crushed for aggregate)%
Recycled content 0-30% (fly ash content)%
Renewable content 5-15% (cellulose fibres)%
Circular score Moderate (recyclable but energy-intensive)
VOC emissions <0.01 mg/m²·h (negligible)
Toxicity rating Non-toxic (no formaldehyde)
LEED contribution MR, EQ, ID credits possible
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 30-50+ years
Maintenance interval Annual inspection recommended
Warranty period 10-15 years (manufacturer dependent)
Material cost (range) $25-85/m² (thickness dependent)
Material cost (per unit) $30-180/sheet (2440x1220mm)
Lead time 1-14 days (standard sizes)
Lifecycle cost $100-250/m² over 30 years
Annual maintenance $0-5/m² (minimal maintenance)
Market availability Good - multiple Australian suppliers
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Non-combustible with exceptional fire resistance
- Low thermal conductivity (0.05-0.17 W/m·K)
- Moisture and humidity resistant
- Termite and rot resistant
- Easy to cut, drill and machine
- Dimensionally stable
- No formaldehyde content
- Suitable for all Australian climate zones
- Long service life (30+ years)
- Recyclable and environmentally friendly
Constraints
- Brittle - requires careful handling
- Generates silica dust when cutting (requires PPE)
- Higher cost than standard plasterboard
- Heavier than gypsum board
- Requires specific fixings and jointing systems
- Limited availability in remote areas
- Professional installation recommended for fire-rated systems
- Can absorb moisture if unsealed edges exposed
08 Applications
A1 Fire-rated partition systems (up to FRL 240/240/240)
A2 Thermal insulation for industrial furnaces and kilns
A3 Bushfire protection systems (BAL-40 to BAL-FZ)
A4 Ceiling and soffit linings
A5 Duct and service enclosures
A6 Structural fire protection
A7 Pizza oven and fireplace backing
A8 Marine and offshore applications
A9 Chemical plant insulation
A10 Non-ferrous metal handling systems
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.