MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Calcium Silicate Board (6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 25mm)

Board Product
mineral › Silicate › Board Product
mineralsilicatefire-protectionnon-combustiblethermal-insulationaustralian-certified
ATLAS CODE
MIN-SIL-BRD-001
Calcium Silicate Board (6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 25mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Silicate
Regulatory Status Non-combustible (AS 1530.1)
Density
250-1200 kg/m³ (varies by grade) kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
150-300 kg CO2e/m³ kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible (AS 1530.1)
Lifespan
30-50+ years yrs
Description

Calcium silicate board is a high-performance building material composed of calcium silicate hydrate reinforced with cellulose or synthetic fibres. Available in 6mm to 25mm thicknesses, it provides exceptional fire resistance, thermal insulation, and structural integrity. Manufactured through hydrothermal curing process creating xonotlite or tobermorite crystal structures. Suitable for fire-rated partitions, ceilings, thermal insulation, and industrial applications up to 1100°C.

Primary Sectors
[Industrial]
Typical Uses
  • Fire-rated partition systems (up to FRL 240/240/240)
  • Thermal insulation for industrial furnaces and kilns
  • Bushfire protection systems (BAL-40 to BAL-FZ)
  • Ceiling and soffit linings
  • Duct and service enclosures
  • Structural fire protection
  • Pizza oven and fireplace backing
  • Marine and offshore applications
  • Chemical plant insulation
  • Non-ferrous metal handling systems
Recycled Content 0-30% (fly ash content)
Renewable Content 5-15% (cellulose fibres)
Recyclability 100% (crushed for aggregate)
Embodied Carbon 150-300 kg CO2e/m³ kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 2-4 MJ/kg MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Non-combustible with exceptional fire resistanceLow thermal conductivity (0.05-0.17 W/m·K)Moisture and humidity resistantTermite and rot resistantEasy to cut, drill and machineDimensionally stableNo formaldehyde contentSuitable for all Australian climate zonesLong service life (30+ years)Recyclable and environmentally friendly
Cautions
Brittle - requires careful handlingGenerates silica dust when cutting (requires PPE)Higher cost than standard plasterboardHeavier than gypsum boardRequires specific fixings and jointing systemsLimited availability in remote areasProfessional installation recommended for fire-rated systemsCan absorb moisture if unsealed edges exposed
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-SIL-BRD-001
Density (Dry) 250-1200 kg/m³ (varies by grade) kg/m³
Specific Gravity 0.25-1.2
Porosity 70-85% (low density), 40-60% (high density) %
Water Absorption 25-45% by weight (24hr immersion) %
Hardness Mohs 2-3
Surface Roughness Ra 3-10 μm (sanded), Ra 1-3 μm (smooth) μm
UV Resistance Good - suitable for semi-exposed applications
Chemical Resistance Excellent - pH 3-14 resistant
pH Tolerance pH 3-14
Compressive Strength 9-25 MPa (perpendicular to board) MPa
Tensile Strength 0.9-6 MPa MPa
Flexural Strength 4.5-10 MPa (longitudinal) MPa
Shear Strength 2-4 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 2000-6000 MPa GPa
Yield Strength 3-8 MPa MPa
Impact Resistance Good - suitable for normal building use J/m
Bearing Capacity 200-1000 kPa (grade dependent) kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.15-0.25
Creep Resistance Excellent - minimal deformation under load
Abrasion Resistance Moderate - surface coating recommended
Thermal Conductivity 0.05-0.17 W/m·K at 20°C W/mK
Thermal Resistance R0.035-0.5 m²·K/W (thickness dependent) m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840-920 J/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 8-12 × 10⁻⁶ /°C μm/m·K
Melting Point 1400-1500°C °C
Ignition Temperature >1000°C °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) STC 30-35 (single layer)
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) NRC 0.05-0.15
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% (opaque material) %
Light Reflectance (LRV) LRV 75-85 (white finish) %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) SRI 90-95 (white)

Calcium silicate boards were developed as asbestos-free alternatives in the 1970s. Early products like James Hardie's Asbestolux contained asbestos until the 1980s. Modern formulations use cellulose or synthetic fibres. Australian manufacturers include Promat (SUPALUX), with distribution through Darco Industries, Total Refractory Management, and specialist suppliers. The material has evolved from purely industrial insulation to sophisticated fire protection and building board applications, with continuous improvements in strength, workability, and environmental performance.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-SIL-BRD-001
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0-3
Combustibility Class Non-combustible (AS 1530.1)
Ignition Temperature >1000°C °C
Fire Resistance Rating FRL up to 240/240/240 hours
Heat Release Rate Negligible kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Non-toxic emissions
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 150-300 kg CO2e/m³ kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 2-4 MJ/kg MJ/kg
Water Footprint 5-10 L/kg L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 30%
Renewable Content 100%
LEED Points MR, EQ, ID credits possible
Circular Economy Score Moderate (recyclable but energy-intensive) /100
VOC Emissions <0.01 mg/m²·h (negligible) g/L
Skill Level Intermediate - Professional for fire systems
Crew Size 2-3 persons
Installation Time 8-15 m²/hour (wall systems) hr/m²
Curing Time Not applicable (factory cured) hours
Setting Time Immediate mechanical fixing min
Temperature Range -20°C to +50°C installation °C
Humidity Range 0-95% RH (non-condensing) %
Required Tools
Circular saw with dust extractionMasonry drill bitsScore and snap knife (thin boards)P2 respirator maskSafety glasses and gloves
Certifications Required
Fire-rated system installer certification recommended
Weather Limitations
Protect from rain during installationStore in dry conditions
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-SIL-BRD-001
Material Cost $25-85/m² (thickness dependent)
Installation Cost $45-120/m²
Annual Maintenance $0-5/m² (minimal maintenance)
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $100-250/m² over 30 years
Market Availability Good - multiple Australian suppliers
Lead Time 1-14 days (standard sizes) weeks
Design Life 30-50+ years years
Warranty Period 10-15 years (manufacturer dependent) years
Maintenance Interval Annual inspection recommended months
Service Temp Range -50°C to +1100°C (grade dependent) °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent - 50+ cycles
Dimensional Stability ±0.1% moisture movement
Certifications Held
ISO 9001:2015CodeMark (specific products)GreenTag (some products)GECA compliant optionsLow VOC certifiedFormaldehyde-free
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibilityAS 1530.3 Surface spreadAS 1530.4 Fire resistance
Standards Compliance
NCC/BCA Volume 1 & 2C1.10 Fire hazard propertiesASTM C533 Type 1ASTM E84 Class AISO 8336:1993 (excluded from scope)ISO 834 Fire resistanceEN 13501-1 A1 classificationEN 12467 Fibre-cement

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-SIL-BRD-001 Schema: v3.0
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