Abstract: A fireproof covering for protecting heat-sensitive material and structures, said covering comprising: pre-shaped mineral wool components, molded to rigid, substantially self-supporting forms with a binder, for surrounding the heat-sensitive material and structures; and, a fireproof coating at least on the outside of the rigid mineral wool components, the coating progressively sintering onto the surface of the rigid mineral wool components under fire conditions and supporting the components as the binder progressively decomposes, whereby heat-sensitive material and structures can be protected from fire conditions for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Fibrous material is provided comprising cellulose fibers and mineral wool fibers in a weight ratio within the range from about 3:7 to about 10:1, impregnated with an amount of a water-soluble polyoxyalkylene ether alcohol sufficient to impart dimensional stability thereto and having the formula:R.sub.1 [--O--(C.sub.n.sbsb.1 H.sub.2n.sbsb.1 --O).sub.x --C.sub.n.sbsb.2 H.sub.2n.sbsb.2 --OH].sub.mwherein:R.sub.1 is hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon substituted with secondary hydroxyl groups and free from primary hydroxyl groups and having from one to about twenty-four carbon atoms;m is a number within the range from 1 to about 6;n.sub.1 is a number within the range from about 2 to about 4;n.sub.2 is a number within the range from 3 to 4; and--C.sub.n.sbsb.2 H.sub.2n.sbsb.