Faolite

a composite material consisting of a filler, of which asbestos is a necessary component, and a binder, here a phenolformaldehyde resin of the resol type. The resin is an emulsion containing water as one of the phases. In most cases, chrysotile asbestos in a mixture with anthophyllite, graphite, or bank sand is used; the graphite increases thermal conductivity, and the sand thermostability.

Faolite is produced by combining the resin and the filler in a mixer equipped with blades and then subjecting the mixture to rolling. Depending on the intended use of the composite, the raw material is processed by calendering, extrusion, or pressing. Calendering is used when sheets are required for large-scale items; extrusion is used to produce tubes; and pressing is employed in making fittings. Molded items are heat-treated at 150°C.

Faolite is characterized by its high resistance to acids (with the exception of acid oxidants). Faolite items are twice as light and 4–6 times as strong as acid-resistant ceramics. Faolite is used in place of lead, bronze, and stainless steel as a structural and refractory material in chemical equipment.