Overview
METHERM Microporous M 1000 is a rigid, high-performance thermal insulation board based on a fumed silica (SiO₂) microporous core matrix. The board is produced by compounding nanoporous fumed silica with opacifiers — principally silicon carbide (SiC) or titanium dioxide (TiO₂) — which suppress infrared radiation transmission at elevated temperatures, and reinforcing the composite with glass or ceramic fibres to provide structural integrity for handling and installation.
The thermal performance of M 1000 is governed by the Knudsen effect: pore sizes in the fumed silica matrix fall below the mean free path of air molecules at atmospheric pressure (approximately 70 nm), which suppresses convective and conductive gas-phase heat transfer to a level below that of still air itself. At 20°C, M 1000 achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.020 W/(m·K) — significantly lower than still air at 0.026 W/(m·K), and 5 to 8 times lower than calcium silicate board at the same temperature. The opacifiers extend this suppression into the high-temperature regime by attenuating radiation, so that at 800°C, M 1000 still achieves only 0.033 W/(m·K). This near-flat temperature dependence of thermal conductivity is the defining characteristic that distinguishes microporous insulation from all conventional high-temperature insulation materials.
M 1000 is the standard-specification grade in the METHERM microporous range, suited to the majority of industrial thermal applications where service temperatures do not exceed 1000°C. It is non-combustible (Class A1), contains no asbestos, no ceramic fibres classified as carcinogenic, and no CFCs or HCFCs. The board can be cut, drilled, and shaped on site using standard masonry or woodworking tools, making it straightforward to fit complex furnace geometries without specialist fabrication.
Competitive equivalents include Microtherm MPS standard grade, Promat Promaxon, Morgan Thermal Ceramics MPC, and Skamol SkamoWall. METHERM M 1000 is manufactured by Henan Minmetals East New Materials Co., Ltd. and available for direct export enquiry.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | °C | 1000 |
| Thermal conductivity at 20°C | W/(m·K) | 0.020 |
| Thermal conductivity at 200°C | W/(m·K) | 0.022 |
| Thermal conductivity at 400°C | W/(m·K) | 0.025 |
| Thermal conductivity at 800°C | W/(m·K) | 0.033 |
| Flexural strength | MPa | 0.12 |
| Compressive strength | MPa | 0.3 |
| Fire classification | — | Class A1 (non-combustible) |
| Asbestos content | — | None |
| CFC / HCFC content | — | None |
| Machinable / sawable | — | Yes — standard tools |
| Density | — | Contact for data sheet |
Note on density: Density values for the METHERM Microporous M 1000 are available on the product data sheet. Contact East Materials to request the current data sheet for certified density, thermal conductivity test reports, and mechanical test results.
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Applications
Industrial Furnace Backup Insulation
M 1000 is extensively used as cold-face (backup) insulation behind hot-face refractories or ceramic fibre modules in continuous and batch industrial furnaces. In this role, the board substantially reduces heat loss through the furnace shell without adding thermal mass that would slow heat-up and cool-down cycles.
A practical installation example: fitting 30 mm of M 1000 behind a standard 150 mm monolithic castable lining in a batch annealing furnace operating at 900°C reduces the furnace shell surface temperature from approximately 130°C to below 65°C. The corresponding reduction in heat loss improves overall furnace energy efficiency. At the same time, the extremely low thickness required (versus 150–200 mm of conventional backup insulation) saves installation space — critical in retrofit applications.
Steel Industry
Steel plant furnaces — continuous reheating furnaces, walking beam furnaces, and batch annealing furnaces — all benefit from M 1000 as backup insulation in furnace wall, roof, and door-frame positions. In aluminium and copper annealing furnaces operating in the 700–900°C range, M 1000's low thermal mass allows faster heat-up after maintenance shutdowns compared to thicker mineral wool or calcium silicate backup systems.
Soaking pit cover insulation and ladle preheater backup insulation can also use M 1000 panels where thin-profile and long service life are priorities.
Aluminium and Non-Ferrous Industries
Aluminium holding furnaces and die casting furnaces operate in the 650–950°C range. M 1000 backup insulation reduces heat losses through furnace shells, improving metal temperature uniformity and reducing gas consumption. The near-flat lambda characteristic of M 1000 means that the insulation performance remains predictable even during temperature fluctuations associated with charging and tapping cycles.
Ceramic and Kiln Applications
Ceramic sintering kilns and intermittent kilns operating up to 1000°C use M 1000 panels as backup insulation behind refractory brick or ceramic fibre hot-face linings. Kiln car deck insulation using M 1000 panels reduces heat storage in the car structure, improving kiln energy balance. Tunnel kilns and roller kilns for tile and tableware production benefit from the thin-panel format of M 1000 that allows additional insulation without increasing kiln cross-section.
Boiler and Process Plant
Boiler backup insulation where mineral wool or glass wool is being replaced to reduce outer casing temperature and improve heat loss performance. In retrofit projects, the extreme thinness of M 1000 allows a thicker effective insulation layer to be fitted within the same radial space previously occupied by conventional materials.
Packaging & Storage
METHERM Microporous M 1000 panels are supplied as rigid flat boards. Standard board format is typically 1000 × 500 mm; standard thickness range is 15–50 mm. Custom thickness and cut-to-size are available on enquiry for container-quantity orders. Boards are carton-packaged and palletised for ocean freight (FCL and LCL, FOB Shanghai).
Handle with gloves — the fumed silica matrix produces fine respirable silica dust when boards are cut, broken, or abraded. On-site cutting should use standard masonry saw or woodworking tools with local exhaust ventilation or dust extraction. Boards are fragile under point impact; store flat on a level pallet and do not stack heavy loads directly on panels.
Store dry, away from water ingress and rain. No special temperature or humidity storage requirements beyond keeping boards dry. Shelf life is indefinite in dry storage conditions.
Related Products
- Microporous Insulation — parent hub with full range overview and grade comparison table
- METHERM Microporous M 1000 Max — enhanced mechanical strength variant (0.13 MPa flexural), same 1000°C ceiling
- METHERM Microporous M 1100 — extended temperature grade, max 1100°C, same λ as M 1000
- METHERM® Calcium Silicate Insulation — rigid boards where higher compressive strength is the priority
- MEGEL® Aerogel Insulation — aerogel felt for flexible, irregular-geometry applications
- thermaleast.com — high-temperature refractory and furnace insulation systems (SEMITECH sister site)
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