Board · 15–50 mm
Silicate — indicative fig. M·109
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 0.12kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive 4.2MPa StructuralDesign life 30yr
Non-combustible fire protection board manufactured from expanded vermiculite and inorganic binders, offering excellent thermal insulation (λ = 0.09-0.18 W/mK) and high temperature resistance up to 1200°C. Available in multiple thicknesses for passive fire protection systems.
01 Physical
Density 500kg/m³
Specific gravity 0.75
Porosity 65%
Water absorption 200%
Hardness 2
UV resistance Moderate
Chemical resistance Excellent
pH tolerance 6-10
Surface roughness 50µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 0.8MPa
Compressive strength 4.2MPa
Flexural strength 1.6MPa
Shear strength 0.6MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.15
Impact resistance Low
Creep resistance Good
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.14W/m·K
Specific heat 1080J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 8×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Non-combustible
Fire resistance level 120
Ignition temp 1350°C
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 0.12
Carbon footprint 150
Embodied energy 3.5MJ/kg
Water footprint 50L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 7
VOC emissions 0
Toxicity rating Non-toxic
LEED contribution 2
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 30
Maintenance interval 0
Warranty period 10
Material cost (range) 45-85
Material cost (per unit) 65
Lead time 7
Lifecycle cost 105
Annual maintenance 0
Market availability Moderate - specialist suppliers
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Non-combustible with excellent fire resistance up to 1200°C
- Low thermal conductivity (0.09-0.18 W/mK) for superior insulation
- Lightweight (500-1200 kg/m³) reducing structural loads
- Easy to cut, drill, and shape with standard woodworking tools
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly with no VOC emissions
- Excellent acoustic absorption properties (NRC 0.4-0.6 at 500 Hz)
- Dimensionally stable with minimal thermal shrinkage (<2%)
- Naturally resistant to insects, rodents, and fungal growth
- Chemically inert and corrosion resistant
- Smooth surface suitable for painting or finishing
Constraints
- Requires careful handling to prevent edge chipping
- Must be stored flat to prevent bowing
- Not suitable for exterior use without protection
- Lower mechanical strength compared to cement boards
- Potential for dust generation during cutting (requires PPE)
- Higher cost compared to standard gypsum boards
- Limited availability in remote Australian locations
- Requires heat-resistant adhesives and sealants for high-temperature applications
- Not suitable for structural load-bearing applications
- Historical concerns about asbestos contamination (modern products tested and certified asbestos-free)
08 Applications
A1 Fire door cores (achieving EI30, EI60, and EI120 ratings)
A2 Fireplace and wood stove surrounds
A3 Register plates for flue systems
A4 Industrial furnace and kiln insulation
A5 Passive fire protection for structural steel
A6 Acoustic panels for recording studios and cinemas
A7 Thermal barriers in building cavities
A8 Heat shields for range cookers and boilers
A9 Fire-resistant wall linings
A10 Replacement for traditional fire bricks
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.