Silicone coated fire sleeves are protective coverings designed to shield hoses, wires, and cables from high temperatures and flames. Here’s a breakdown of what they’re made of and why they’re used:

Composition:

1. Base Material: The core of the sleeve is usually made from a flexible, high-temperature-resistant material like fiberglass or aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar). These materials provide the strength and durability needed to withstand harsh conditions.

2. Silicone Coating: The outer layer is coated with silicone rubber. This coating provides additional thermal resistance, making the sleeve highly resistant to heat, flames, and chemical exposure.

Purpose:

1. Heat Resistance: The silicone coating protects the underlying material from extreme temperatures, preventing heat from reaching the protected components.

2. Flame Resistance: It provides a barrier against direct flame contact, which is crucial in environments where fire hazards are a concern.

3. Chemical Resistance: Silicone has good resistance to various chemicals and oils, making the sleeve useful in industrial and automotive applications where exposure to these substances is common.

4. Durability: The sleeve’s construction helps it resist abrasion, cuts, and other forms of mechanical damage, ensuring long-term protection for the hoses or cables it covers.

5. Electrical Insulation: Besides heat protection, silicone-coated fire sleeves can also offer electrical insulation properties, which helps in safeguarding wires and cables from electrical shorts and damage.

These sleeves are commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications where high temperatures, flames, and harsh environmental conditions are present.