Only high-density chrysotile products are manufactured and sold today. The unique feature of these products is that the chrysotile fibre is encapsulated in a matrix of cement or resin, preventing the release of fibres. Over 90% of chrysotile used worldwide today is in the manufacture of fibre-cement building and construction materials.
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Asbestos uses
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Before
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Now
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Products
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Asbestos-cement
Friction
Insulation
Textiles
Low density
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Chrysotile-cement
Friction
High density
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Fibre types
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Chrysotile
Amosite
Crocidolite
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Chrysotile
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Source: The chrysotile institute
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Products
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Uses / Applications
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Insulation Boards
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Partition walls, infill panels, boxings, ceiling tiles, fire breaks, door lining.
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Asbestos Ropes
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Used to seal joints to boilers, flues, chimneys etc. gaskets, kiln lining, heaters.
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Asbestos Cloths and Textiles
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Fire blankets, fire proof clothing, oven gloves, safety curtains.
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Asbestos Paper
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Electrical insulation in switchgear, heat reflective layers to boilers and electrical storage heaters.
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Gaskets
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To pipe flanges.
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Friction products
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Brake linings, to road & rail vehicles, lifts and other machinery.
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Asbestos thermoplastic or vinyl floor tiles
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Floor tiles, stair nosings, skirtings.
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Asbestos Bitumen products
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Roofing felt, damp-proof courses, gutter linings, coatings on metals, sink pads.
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Paints and surface coatings
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Textured coatings to ceilings and walls ‘ARTEX’.
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Mastics, sealants, putties and adhesives
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Floor tile backing, seals to window/door frames.
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Source: Northern Insulation Contractors
Chrysotile-cement products (C/C)
More than 90% of the world production of chrysotile is used in the manufacture of chrysotile-cement, in the form of pipes, sheets and shingles. These products are used in some sixty industrialized and developing countries. Chrysotile-cement is valued principally for its excellent cost effectiveness and durability. Manufacture of this material requires the import of only small quantities of fibre, the other raw materials being easily available locally. Moreover, the manufacturing technology requires little investment and consumes less energy than production methods for competing products.
Friction materials (F/M)
Because of its natural resistance to heat, chrysotile fibres have been widely used in friction materials. Automobile brake shoes, disk pads, clutches and elevators brakes are common examples of products using chrysotile fibre.
Other products
As reported in several books, chrysotile was used in the manufacturing of some 3000 products. The reality today is simpler, but there is still a significant variety of common-day and industrial uses of chrysotile containing products. For example, chrysotile fibre is used in roof sealants, textiles, plastics, rubbers, door seals for furnaces, high temperature caulking, paper, components for the military and the nuclear industry.
