Ceramic fibre blanket, board, and module are all made from the same alumina-silica fibres (with high-purity or zirconia grades available for higher temperatures). The challenge for plant engineers isn’t what they’re made of, but which format best suits the job.
Each option differs in form, density, strength, and installation method. That means the “right” choice depends on your operating temperature, mechanical load, surface shape, and whether you’re lining an entire furnace or simply sealing or patching a section.
To make the decision easier, let’s break down how blankets, boards, and modules compare and where each one works best. Starting by knowing what each type is.
Start With Knowing Each Type
Ceramic Fibre Blanket
Among various types of ceramic fibre insulation, it can be said that a ceramic fibre blanket is likely the most popular. It’s usually available in flexible or needle-felted rolled mats with a thickness ranging between 25 and 50 mm.
Ceramic fibre blankets are characterised by an effective open fibre construction in which the intertwining of fibres makes it possible to maintain low thermal mass, and the blankets show great performance at high temperatures.
Density and maximum operating temperature of ceramic blankets could differ from one manufacturer to another, but in general, blankets come in three different grades; these are 1260°C, 1350°C, and 1430°C.
For more details, check out our guide on ceramic fibre temperature ratings and choosing the right grade for furnaces & kilns to see how the different heat levels work.
There are also ceramic blankets available in the form of boards and modules, so choose the right one according to your process temperature and mechanical properties.
Using blankets is rather simple. Thicker blankets are arranged in layers, while thin blankets and blankets wrapped around tight spots are installed in a quick and convenient way. The main advantage of blankets is flexibility. Because of their features, blankets are used for insulating pipes and ducts, furnaces, backing insulation for refractory lining, curved surfaces, etc.
Ceramic Fibre Board
Unlike the blanket, a ceramic fibre board is designed for high-temperature applications that demand strength, stability, and a flat, durable surface. It is, after all, a rigid, vacuum-formed insulation panel. It combines low thermal conductivity with high compressive strength. Because of this property, it holds its shape under load and vibration, and thermal cycling resists sagging and cracking compared to blankets, though severe thermal cycling can still cause cracks.
The hard, uniform surface can be cut, drilled, or shaped to accurate dimensions, though not precision-machined like metals, making it ideal for burner blocks, furnace doors, baffles, and kiln furniture where a soft blanket would wear or deform.
Ceramic Fibre Module
The ceramic fibre Module is a pre-formed insulation block that is made from a folded sheet of ceramic fibre blanket with anchors already attached to it. It’s easier to install because rather than cutting and stacking your own blanket, you just bolt or weld the modules onto the furnace shell in a grid pattern where the modules compress and spring back to form a tight, uniform lining. This construction method allows the module to be the quickest method for lining industrial furnaces, kilns and other high-temperature applications.
When you use it, these modules create a highly uniform and tight ‘hot face’ that eliminates thermal bridges and heat losses, ensuring constant thickness throughout walls, roof and doors. That’s why it is the perfect solution for you if you require durable and long-lasting insulation with minimal on-site work, especially for relines and new furnaces.
A Quick Comparison Chart
| Material | Physical Form & Structure | Key Performance Traits | Installation Method | Primary Uses | Density Range (kg/m³) | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K at 1000°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic fibre Blanket | Flexible, needled mat supplied in rolls (25–50 mm thick). | Low thermal mass, low thermal conductivity, open interwoven fibre structure. Temperature grades: 1260°C, 1350°C, 1430°C. | Fast installation for thin linings; multiple layers added for thick linings. | Pipe and duct insulation, furnace wall wrapping, backup insulation, irregular/curved surfaces. | ~64–160 | ~0.1–0.2 |
| Ceramic fibre Board | Rigid, vacuum-formed insulation panel featuring a flat, durable surface. | Low thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, structural stability under load, vibration, and thermal cycling. Machinable to accurate dimensions. | Rigid panels fitted directly to designated areas. | Burner blocks, furnace doors, baffles, kiln furniture. | ~200–400 | Slightly lower than blanket (due to higher density) |
| Ceramic fibre Module | Pre-formed insulation block built from folded blanket with integrated anchors. | Uniform, tight hot face, constant thickness across walls, roofs, and doors. Seals against thermal bridges and heat losses. | Quick installation; bolted or welded directly onto furnace shell in grid pattern. | Industrial furnaces, kilns, high-temperature applications requiring minimal on-site work. | ~96–160 (depends on blanket density used) | Similar to blanket (depends on grade/density) |
Decision Guide by Application
Selecting the right type of ceramic fibre insulation for your furnace or kiln components is important for controlling energy losses, lining life, and downtime.
Insulating a cylindrical shell of a furnace or kiln
You should opt for modules when constructing a new installation or conducting a complete relining – you will get an even thickness of lining and fast installation, which reduces downtime significantly in large furnaces; for small kilns, blankets may still be more practical.
Insulation of pipework or ductwork
Select blanket, due to the ability to wrap flexible bends, tees, and fittings.
Insulation of doors or removable panels
You should use a board, though boards may need mechanical protection if exposed to direct flame impingement.
For more information, read our guide on everything you need to know about ceramic fibre installations.
A Quick Rule of Thumb
If the surface is curved, irregular, or you need to wrap around something, reach for a blanket. If the application needs to hold its shape under load or handling, reach for the board. If you’re lining a large area from scratch and installation time is tight, modules are usually worth the extra material cost.
FAQs
Can ceramic fibre board be used instead of a blanket?
In some backup insulation applications, yes – but board doesn’t conform to curves or irregular surfaces the way blanket does, so it’s not a direct substitute everywhere.
Are ceramic fibre modules more expensive than blankets?
Per square metre of material, yes. However, labour savings apply mainly in large‑scale linings; because modules install significantly faster on big furnaces, the total installed cost, including labour and downtime, can be comparable or even lower. For small repairs, a blanket remains the cheaper overall option.
Which format lasts longest?
Boards generally have the best resistance to mechanical wear and abrasion, though chemical attack (alkalis, slags) can degrade boards just as quickly as blankets or modules. Blanket and module lifespan depends more on temperature grade and installation quality than format itself.
Do I need different formats for different zones of the same furnace?
Often, yes. A well‑designed lining might use modules for the main shell, boards for doors and access panels, and blankets for pipe penetrations and irregular fittings, matching format to function in each zone.
Need Help Specifying Your Lining?
For a full overview of ceramic fibre types, temperature grades, and properties, see our complete ceramic fibre Products guide. Our team can help match a blanket, board, or module to your specific furnace, kiln, or boiler application – get in touch or browse our ceramic fibre Product range.
