Ceramic Insulating Wool

Although it looks a bit like cotton wool, this material is a collection of thermal ceramic fibres on an aluminium backing that is able to withstand temperatures of up to 1300ºC and protect the human body from molten metals. Because of its foil backing and textile-like properties the sheet is relatively flexible, so it can easily be wrapped around kilns and other heated objects. The 'wool' is comprised of an accumulation of fibres of different lengths and diameters, all produced synthetically from mineral raw materials, including calcium, magnesium and silicone dioxide. These fibres can be an irritant to the skin and respiratory tract, so caution is advised when handling this material.