When you search for ‘calcium silicate board’ on Alibaba, intending to find cost-effective fire resistant boards from China for your passive fire protection project, you will come across a wide variety of products labeled as calcium silicate board. Some are gypsum boards, some are fiber cement boards, some are insulating calcium silicate boards, and of course, there are some that are genuine calcium silicate fire resistant boards.
Similarly, when we search for ‘calcium silicate board’ on Google, the results on the first page also include fiber cement boards, insulating calcium silicate boards, and calcium silicate fire resistant boards. This creates confusion when trying to make a selection. Understanding how to choose the right calcium silicate board, or more specifically, what a calcium silicate board truly is, becomes a highly relevant topic.
What is Calcium Silicate Board?
Calcium silicate board is an inorganic building material composed of silica sand, quartz powder, fly ash, Portland cement, lime, reinforcing fibers, and water. These components are mixed, formed into boards, and treated with high-pressure and high-temperature processes. It is widely used as an alternative to gypsum and asbestos cement boards due to its superior properties.
Basic Knowledge about Calcium Silicates
Tobermorite and Xonotlite
Calcium Silicate (CaSiO3): Pure calcium silicate powder is unsuitable for dense boards. Commonly used materials are tobermorite (6CaO·5SiO2·6H2O) and xonotlite (6CaO·6SiO2·H2O).
Types of Calcium Silicate Board
Insulating Calcium Silicate Board
Graded Temperature:
- For insulation below 650°C, tobermorite-based boards are suitable due to lower density and better thermal conductivity.
- For insulation above 650°C, xonotlite-based boards are required.
Other Performance Requirements: Xonotlite boards have better strength, service life, and water resistance than tobermorite boards.
Calcium Silicate Fire-Resistant Board
Fire Resistance: Key component for passive fire protection. Xonotlite-based boards are more suitable due to their higher temperature resistance.
Mechanical Performance: Xonotlite-based boards have stronger mechanical performance, typically 5 to 15 times that of tobermorite-based boards.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Calcium Silicate Board
Advantages of Calcium Silicate Board
Excellent Fire Performance: Class A non-combustible material; does not burn or produce toxic smoke, aligning with the safety standards FireSafe promotes.
Superior Waterproof Performance: Maintains stability in high humidity areas without expanding or deteriorating, which is crucial for many applications.
High Strength: Durable and reliable, resistant to damage.
Soundproofing: Provides good sound insulation.
Durability: Resistant to corrosion, moisture, and pests; ensures a long service life.
Disadvantages of Calcium Silicate Board
Cumbersome Replacement Process: Difficult to replace once installed.
High Installation Costs: Requires metal keels, making installation more complex and expensive.
Applications of Calcium Silicate Board
Residential Uses
Insulation and Fire Protection: Acts as a fire barrier, improving fire safety by slowing flame spread—key for residential safety, especially when using materials like those from FireSafe.
Wall Cladding and Partitions: Provides moisture resistance and acoustic comfort; ideal for partitions and cladding.
Flooring and Ceilings: Suitable for high-moisture areas like basements due to its strength and moisture resistance.
Commercial Uses
HVAC Systems and Ductwork: Prevents heat loss and ensures energy efficiency while reducing noise from HVAC systems.
Office Buildings: Versatile for modern design, including partition walls and ceilings; suitable for high-traffic areas.
Hotels and Hospitality: Moisture-resistant and fire-resistant, suitable for bathrooms and other damp areas.
Retail Spaces: Impact-resistant and aesthetically adaptable; ideal for busy retail environments.
Comparison with Other Materials
Calcium Silicate Board vs. Cement Board
Table Header |
Calcium Silicate Board |
Cement Board |
|---|---|---|
|
Raw Materials |
Uses siliceous materials with minimal cement |
Primarily composed of cement, offering higher durability. |
|
Density |
Density around 1.2g/cm³. |
Density around 1.5g/cm³, making it harder. |
|
Production Process |
Treated with high temperature and pressure, maintaining its shape. |
Less suited for walls compared to calcium silicate board due to its production process. |
Calcium Silicate Board vs. Gypsum Board
Table Header |
Calcium Silicate Board |
Gypsum Board |
|---|---|---|
|
Raw Materials |
Composed of siliceous material, calcium material, and reinforcing fibers. |
Made from gypsum with a paper surface. |
|
Performance |
Superior in waterproofing, fireproofing, sound insulation, strength, and durability. Increasingly replacing gypsum board in various applications due to its advanced performance characteristics, similar to those provided by FireSafe. |
Lightweight and easy to install. |
Conclusion
Calcium silicate boards offer versatility, durability, and exceptional fire and moisture resistance. They are suitable for a range of applications, from insulation and fireproofing to wall partitioning and decorative finishes. Their advantages make them a preferred choice in both residential and commercial settings, contributing to safer and more efficient construction practices.
FAQ
What are the uses of calcium silicate boards?
Calcium silicate boards are used in:
- Insulating equipment and pipelines
- Passive fire protection systems
- Ceiling tiles
- Various construction applications
What are the key features of calcium silicate boards
- Density: 500-1000 kg/m³
- Thickness: 15mm to 60mm
- Fire Resistance: Over 2 hours
- Strength: High
- Insulation: Good thermal properties
What are the benefits of using calcium silicate boards?
They are lightweight, strong, provide good thermal insulation, are durable, and environmentally.