Abstract: Compressed non-asbestos gasketing material suitable for use in high temperature applications and particularly for sealing steam and other oxidizing fluids. In a preferred form, the material is characterized by a markedly reduced weight loss at high temperatures as compared to other compressed non-asbestos gasketing materials. The material contains a substantial quantity of sepiolite fiber and a lesser amount of other inorganic fibers such as rock, wool and ceramic.

Abstract: A high temperature compressed non-asbestos sheet is provided which is effective for gasketing applications in temperatures up to at least 900.degree. F. The sheet is formed from carbon fibers having a high percentage of carbonization and a low modulus of elasticity. The carbon content of the fibers is above 90% while the modulus of elasticity is less than 10,000,000 psi., and such fibers form at least 75% of the fiber content of the sheet. The carbon fibers may be blended with small portions of organic fibers to enhance the physical properties of the sheet.