✅ Main features of asbestos gaskets:

1. Excellent high temperature resistance

Asbestos itself has good thermal stability. Generally, asbestos gaskets can withstand temperatures of 300℃~500℃ (depending on whether it is an asbestos rubber sheet product). Special asbestos gaskets can withstand higher temperatures for a short time, so they have been widely used in high temperature conditions such as steam, boilers, and hot oil.

2. High pressure resistance and good structural strength

Asbestos fibers combined with rubber and other materials have good compression strength and shear resistance, and are suitable for medium and high pressure flange sealing. The pressure level of conventional products can reach 2~5 MPa, and high-level products are even higher.

3. Good chemical stability

Asbestos has strong resistance to most chemical media such as acids, alkalis, oils, and organic solvents, and is particularly suitable for sealing applications in petrochemical and chemical pipelines.

4. Good softness and compressibility

Asbestos gaskets are easy to fit with the flange surface during installation, and can compensate for certain surface unevenness or gaps caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby forming a reliable static seal.

⚠️ Limitations and problems of asbestos gaskets:

1. Asbestos is harmful to the human body

Asbestos fibers are considered to be a strong carcinogen that can cause serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Long-term inhalation of asbestos dust can cause permanent damage to the respiratory system. Therefore, many countries and regions (such as the European Union, the United States, and China) have banned or restricted the use of asbestos-containing materials.

2. Easy to crack or powder when disassembled

After long-term use at high temperatures, asbestos gaskets may become brittle, easy to break and dust when disassembled, which is not conducive to maintenance operations and has the risk of releasing asbestos fibers.

3. Environmental regulations restrictions

Modern industry is gradually replacing traditional asbestos gaskets with **Non-Asbestos Gaskets** to meet environmental protection, safety and regulatory requirements.