Abstract: A glass and metal fiber material includes a web of nonwoven metal fibers and glass. The metal fibers of the web are joined by bubbles of glass to other metal fibers of the web. The nonwoven metal fibers can be the same or different lengths and do not need to be sintered. The material is flexible and capable of withstanding very high temperatures. Spaces or voids between metal fibers allow embodiments of the material to be porous. However, the voids can be completely or partially filled to alter the porosity of the material. An exemplary method of making the glass and metal fiber material in accordance with the invention includes the steps of juxtaposing metal fibers with glass fibers and heating at least the glass fibers to cause them to melt. The melting glass envelops part or all of the metal fibers. When the glass cools, at least some of the of metal fibers are bound to other metal fibers by the glass.

Abstract: A composite gasket material includes a fiber component (3-15% by wt.), an elastomeric binder component (3-15% by wt.), and a solid filer component (60-90% by wt.). The material may additionally include a phenolic or epoxy resin (up to 5 wt. %) and a silicone resin (up to 5 wt. %). The filler includes as a component a salt formed from a multivalent metal cation and a sterically hindered dicarboxylic acid. The salt ingredient typically comprises from about 20 to 80 wt. % of the filler. Gaskets made from this composite material exhibit improved sealability and thermal stability while retaining other desirable mechanical properties. These materials are able to withstand operating temperatures up to about 450.degree. C.

Abstract: A composite gasket material includes a fiber component (3-15% by wt.), an elastomeric binder component (3-15% by wt.), and a solid filer component (60-90% by wt.). The material may additionally include a phenolic or epoxy resin (up to 5 wt. %) and a silicone resin (up to 5 wt. %). The filler includes as a component a salt formed from a multivalent metal cation and a sterically hindered dicarboxylic acid. The salt ingredient typically comprises from about 20 to 80 wt. % of the filler. Gaskets made from this composite material exhibit improved sealability and thermal stability while retaining other desirable mechanical properties. These materials are able to withstand operating temperatures up to about 450.degree. C.

Abstract: Flexible sheet material adapted for use as heat resistant gaskets, heat insulation, eletrical insulation and support media in the form of a bonded fibrous web containing vermiculite, organic fibers and binder material.