Aramid fleece vs. silicone heating mat: Material comparison for textile heating elements

To manufacture silicone heating mats, heating conductors in the form of wire or strands are laid out as heating elements and then embedded in silicone. This process is called vulcanization and requires considerable energy, as the silicone must be heated to a high temperature to deform mechanically as desired. Silicone heating mats can withstand continuous temperatures up to 200 °C, and up to 180 °C with self-adhesive backing. They can also withstand higher temperatures up to 230 °C for short periods.

What temperatures a silicone heating mat Predicting the temperature at which it will be reached is difficult, as it depends on many factors. These include the type and mass of the item being heated, air currents, and the ambient temperature. This also raises the question:

At what temperature does silicone melt?

There are different Heat resistance levels Regarding silicone: Normal silicone can withstand temperatures from -50 °C to 300 °C without any problems. Heat-resistant silicones are also used in industry, which Temperatures up to 1.500 °C withstand it. Even if silicones difficult to ignite or melt Silicone, once ignited, burns to non-conductive ash. It does not melt due to high temperatures alone. Hardened residues and shapes can granulated and added as a filler to newly mixed silicone. Silicone as a material is recycled, but only as a composite material with the heating element difficult to separate.

The use of aramid nonwoven fabric is still unknown to many. Therefore, we would like to answer the following question:

What is aramid?

Aramid is an Word composition from aromatic polyamideAramid is a liquid crystal polymer and is predominantly processed in fiber form. It is divided into three main groups: meta-aramids, para-aramids, and para-aramid copolymers. All three groups are characterized by the fact that the aramid has a high heat resistance has or the fibers flame-resistant .

Aramid fibers are very demanding applications suitable and frequently used in the field due to their flame-retardant properties Firefighting industry (In the manufacture of firefighter clothing). Aramid is not only fireproof, the aramid fibers also possess a high tensile strength, which is why they are also frequently used for bulletproof vests (military and police) or for plating used by emergency vehicles.

A special property of aramid nonwoven fabric is its good heat insulationThe heating wire generates a very high heat output, which is insulated by the fleece. A major advantage is... High heat resistance of aramid: The very high heat output of the heating wire is insulated from the underside by the fleece. Furthermore, it is non-flammable. hardly inflammable and can be used for a temperature range up to 200°C.

In short: Aramid fleece heating mats are the Silicone heating mats very similar, however, they still have more advantagesFor example, aramid fibers have enormous tensile strength at a very light weightThey offer tremendous performance and a very high level of protection, which is reflected in their exceptional resistance to impacts, cuts, and abrasion. Embro uses aramid fibers, among other materials, in its textile heating mats when high temperature resistance, low weight, and mechanical strength are crucial for the application.