Background

Our vast applications experience gained from collaboration with industries based all over the globe has allowed us to continually enhance the Fibretech range to meet the most demanding of application needs.

In the most adverse refractory and construction conditions, Fibretech stainless Steel Melt Extract fibres are delivering unique reinforcement properties to concrete.

In the automotive components industry too, many manufacturers are switching to Fibretech in order to benefit from the special properties of Fibretech’s semi-continuous stainless steel filamentary products with their unique high temperature performance and corrosion resistance properties.
Petroleum Refining

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is considered the primary conversion process in an integrated refinery. It is also considered by most to be the key to profitability in that the successful operation of the unit determines whether or not a refiner can stay in business.

Because FCC is one of the most efficient conversion processes, every effort must be made to ensure that this operation is optimised. Cast vibrated or gunned refractory reinforced with stainless steel fibres is the recommended refractory specification by most engineering firms as it is the safest and most durable way to treat refractory, from the catalyst carrier lines and combustion air preheater, to the reactor, regenerator and stripper shells.
Automotive

For nearly a decade, Fibretech has been supplying innovative products to the Automotive industry. Few 3rd tier suppliers are as innovative.

From novel acoustic absorption materials for silencers to heat-resistant and wear-resistant products for brake pads. From new materials for Catalytic Convertor substrates that increase strength but reduce weight, to alloys currently under development for the easy reinforcement of Metal Matrix Composites, Fibretech hasn’t stopped innovating, offering product designers specialist, tailor-made alloys in a range of sizes and forms that were simply not available or possible before.

The secret is Fibretech’s patented Melt Overflow Technology. Steelmakers know as Rapid Solidification (RS) technology. Customers know it as the route to unique performance benefits at an affordable cost.

AZoM - metals, ceramics, polymers and composites : stainless steel fibres used in autmotive silencers/mufflers and brake pads.

Figure 1. Stainless steel fibres used in automotive silencers and brake pads.
Refractories

Melt Extract stainless steel fibres reinforce refractories against cracking to extend and enhance refractory lifetimes. Melt extract fibres can be added to all monolithic refractories, from insulating to ultra low cement castables, rammables and mouldables, precast shapes, gunning and shotcreting mixes. Steel fibre reinforced refractories are now commonplace in a wide range of high temperature processing industries.

Fibretech melt extract fibres impart increased strength and resistance to thermal cycling, steep thermal gradients and mechanical shock, minimising damage and delaying failure caused by cracking. By increasing refractory lifetimes steel fibre refractory reinforcement (SFRR) offers the end user a reduction in downtime and substantial savings in materials and labour costs.

AZoM - metals, ceramics, polymers and composites : stainless steel reinforced monolithic refractories

Figure 2. Stainless steel reinforced refractories in high temperature applications.
Incinerators

Incinerators place high demands on refractories, as it is difficult to regulate and control incineration processes unlike other high temperature processing industries such as steel. Rapid temperature increases and thermal shock together with mechanical damage caused by handling waste create an ‘ideal’ environment for stainless steel fibre reinforcement. The complex design of furnaces, a need for efficient repairs and cost considerations have led to a move away from bricks and an increase in the use of ultra low cement castables. The end user has a choice of fibre alloys and lengths to suit different temperature ranges, atmospheric conditions and refractory lining dimensions.