In power generation, petrochemical processing, metal fabrication, and other heavy industrial applications, insulation materials are exposed to sustained high temperatures, rapid thermal cycling, abrasive contact, and corrosive atmospheres, often simultaneously. These conditions place extraordinary demands on thermal protection systems, and can lead to accelerated material degradation, loss of insulation efficiency, and increased risk to equipment and personnel.
Silicone-based insulation materials offer a unique combination of thermal stability, environmental resistance, and mechanical resilience that allows them to perform where conventional polymer or textile insulation materials reach their limits, making them a strong fit for demanding industrial environments. At Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc., we have spent decades refining these materials to meet real-world demands, from robotic work cells and flexible automation systems to welding operations and thermal enclosures. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer founded in 1976, our focus has always been on engineering silicone-based insulation materials that combine thermal stability, mechanical reliability, and long-term performance to reduce failure risk in demanding industrial environments.
ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Fiberglass
ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Fiberglass is an insulation material engineered by combining high-strength woven fiberglass fabrics, typically E-glass (electrical-grade) or S-glass (high-strength structural glass), with silicone rubber coatings designed to provide reliable adhesion and long-term environmental protection.
Material performance is influenced through the consistency and control of the manufacturing process. By weaving fiberglass substrates in-house and applying proprietary silicone compounds under controlled conditions, Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc. maintains uniform material properties in ARMATEX® silicone coated fiberglass from batch to batch. This vertical integration supports predictable performance in both routine service and more demanding operating conditions.
The key performance characteristics of ARMATEX® include:
- Continuous heat resistance up to 450°F (232°C)
- Strong dielectric properties for electrical insulation
- Resistance to moisture absorption, UV exposure, and environmental degradation.
Such attributes make ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Fiberglass well suited for removable insulation pads and general-purpose thermal barriers used in power generation, petrochemical processing, and industrial maintenance and fabrication environments.
ARMATEX® Aramid Series
Not all silicone-based insulation materials are intended for static service. Within automated and robotic environments, insulation is routinely exposed to continuous motion, repeated flexing, and sustained mechanical stress. ARMATEX® Aramid Coated Fabrics are engineered specifically to resist fatigue, cracking, and delamination under continuous motion and repeated flex cycles. ARMATEX® aramid materials derive their resistance to fatigue, cracking, and delamination from their composite construction. They combine high-tenacity aramid fibers, such as Kevlar® and Nomex®, with silicone rubber coatings formulated to retain flexibility over extended service life. Aramid fibers contribute exceptional tensile strength along with high resistance to cutting and puncture, ensuring their use in mechanically demanding applications like protective robot covers and moving thermal barriers.
ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Silica
When operating temperatures exceed the practical limits of fiberglass, silicone-based insulation materials constructed on silica substrates provide a necessary increase in thermal capability. ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Silica made with SILTEX® is designed for high-temperature environments where fiberglass insulation reaches its practical limits and uses a base fabric composed of approximately 96% amorphous silica fiber. It is well known for its ability to maintain structural integrity if exposed to extreme heat.
The SILTEX® silica substrate used in ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Silica remains dimensionally stable at temperatures approaching 1800°F (982°C). Applying a silicone rubber coating adds functional performance by improving abrasion resistance and chemical protection while also enhancing handling and fabrication characteristics. Together, the high-temperature fiber and the silicone coating form a composite that performs reliably in environments exposed to radiant heat, thermal shock, and intermittent contact with molten materials.
These silicone-based insulation materials are applied to:
- Furnace curtains and high-heat enclosures
- Molten metal splash and slag protection in foundry environments
- Heavy-duty welding blankets used in shipbuilding and metal fabrication.
By combining extreme-temperature fiber performance with the durability and flexibility of silicone, SILTEX® insulation materials support applications where insulation failure can compromise safety, equipment integrity, and process continuity, such as furnace curtains and molten metal containment systems.
A Solvent-Free Manufacturing Mandate
Beyond material selection, manufacturing methodology plays a critical role in determining the safety, environmental profile, and long-term performance of silicone-based insulation materials. Coating processes influence not only how materials behave in service, but also how they impact workers, facilities, and downstream applications.
Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc. employs a solvent-free silicone coating process that eliminates the use of volatile organic compounds commonly associated with traditional textile coating methods. We avoid using solvent carriers, and instead apply silicone coatings using high-solids formulations and controlled curing processes that do not rely on solvent evaporation. This approach reduces emissions during manufacturing and improves overall manufacturing safety.
The benefits of solvent-free silicone coatings extend beyond the factory floor. Solvent-free processing produces silicone-based insulation materials that are cleaner and more stable when exposed to heat. Without residual solvents trapped within the silicone coating, the risk of chemical off-gassing during high-temperature service in industrial operating environments is significantly reduced. This means solvent-free silicone-based insulation materials can be utilized in sensitive environments, including aerospace systems and cleanroom-adjacent applications, where contamination control and material purity are essential.
Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc.: Your Partner in High-Performance Insulation
Silicone-based insulation materials are most reliable when engineered with operating conditions in mind. From ARMATEX® Silicone Coated Fiberglass to Aramid and Silica fabrics, Mid-Mountain Materials, Inc. offers silicone-based insulation materials that can address specific thermal, mechanical, and environmental challenges. Because we manufacture both textile substrates and silicone coatings within the same facility, we maintain strong quality control and the ability to tailor materials to precise requirements. Whether the requirement is standard fabric rolls or custom-fabricated THERMOPAK® insulation seals produced from silicone-based materials, our engineering team works closely with customers to support safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability in demanding industrial environments. Speak with our specialists to learn more about our silicone-based insulation materials.
