Abstract: An asbestos-free gasket is produced from a composition which comprises from about 5% to about 20% of an organic latex binder, from about 5% to about 35% of a cellulosic fibrous material, from about 0% to about 30% of mineral wool, at least about 50% of an inorganic filler, and from about 0 to about 5% of a coloring additive. The percentages being on a dry weight basis of the gasket. The organic materials are present in an amount no greater than 40% of the total dry weight of the gasket and preferably no greater than 30%. The inorganic filler is an inactive additive, stable at a temperature greater than 1700.degree. F., such as Portland Cement, diatomaceous earth, silicates, carbonates, barytes and mixtures thereof. Preferably the inorganic filler is a mixture of barytes and talc in a ratio of from about 1 to 0, to 3 to 1.

Abstract: An asbestos-free millboard formulation is provided which includes from about 5 to 20% of a cellulosic fiber, from 40 to 15% barytes, from 10 to 50% cement and from 15 to 40% of an inorganic filler selected from the group consisting of talc, diatomaceous earth, silicates, carbonates and mixtures thereof. The formulation can be processed on conventional millboard manufacturing equipment.