Refractory Ceramic Fibre (RCF)
RCF has been produced in commercial quantities since the early 1950's. During this time it has proved to be an extremely versatile and useful material and it has found extensive uses in applications from industrial uses such as high temperature insulation, fire protection and molten metal handling to domestic uses such as ceramic coals, logs and other gas fire components, central heating boiler and cooker hob insulation.
During this 50+ year period of extensive use, the RCF industry is not aware of any cases of disease caused by exposure to RCF. However, in December 1997 the European Commission classified RCF as a category 2 carcinogen (Directive 97/69/EC "substances which should be regarded as if they are carcinogenic to humans". For further information on this subject, please visit the European Ceramic Fibre Association (ECFIA) web site - www.ecfia.eu
In October 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded its review on the carcinogenicity of airborne man made vitreous fibres. It concluded that RCF should remain classified as group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) www.rcfc.net/iarc.htm ; www.iarc.fr
Brightcross has a number of formulations available containing RCF
Standard- regular RCF based mix suitable for most foundry and steel mill applications.
Ingot- special higher density mix containing refractory filler for pouring systems where greater erosion resistance is required, and for ingot moulds where faster chill is required.
TC Mix - special high strength mix for investment casting.
Inhibited - mix containing inhibitor for use in magnesium casting.
Inorganic - totally inorganic RCF mix for vacuum casting applications or where fumes from the decomposition of organic binders are not acceptable.
Exothermic - mix for iron and steel foundries. The highly exothermic nature of these products feeders can be used enabling higher yields.
