In the field of building and industrial insulation, fire resistance is always a crucial factor in material selection. Rock wool and glass wool, as two common inorganic fiber insulation materials, differ in their raw material sources and structural forms, but both are widely used in projects with specific fire resistance requirements. So, what are the key differences in fire resistance between rock wool and glass wool? This article will systematically analyze these differences from the perspectives of material properties, high-temperature resistance, and practical application scenarios.

I. The Influence of Material Properties on Fire Resistance

1. Material Characteristics of Rock Wool

Rock wool is primarily made from natural rocks such as basalt and diabase, which are melted at high temperatures and then fiberized. Its raw materials are inherently high-temperature resistant minerals, giving rock wool a good foundation for thermal stability. In a fire environment, rock wool is less prone to physical changes, which helps maintain the integrity of the insulation layer.

2. Material Characteristics of Glass Wool

Glass wool primarily uses inorganic minerals such as quartz sand and limestone as raw materials, and is also an inorganic fiber material. From a combustion perspective, glass wool itself is not easily combustible, does not support combustion, and does not produce molten dripping.

From a material perspective, both rock wool and glass wool are inorganic insulation materials and possess good fire resistance.

II. Analysis of Differences in High-Temperature Resistance

Rock Wool's High-Temperature Resistance

Rock wool maintains good structural stability even at high temperatures; its fibers are not easily softened or collapsed. In the event of a fire, rock wool can maintain its original shape for a relatively long time, helping to slow the spread of fire. Therefore, it is widely used in high-fire-rated buildings.

Glass Wool's High-Temperature Resistance

Compared to rock wool, glass wool has slightly weaker structural stability under sustained high-temperature conditions. When the temperature continues to rise, its fibers may experience some performance degradation, but overall, it does not participate in combustion and can meet the fire protection requirements of conventional buildings.

III. Fire Resistance Performance Comparison Summary

| Comparison Items | Rock Wool | Glass Wool |

| ------ | -------- | ------- |

| Material Properties | Inorganic Non-combustible | Inorganic Non-combustible |

| High Temperature Resistance | Strong | Medium |

| High Temperature Stability | Excellent | Good |

| Fire Resistance Rating | High | Conventional |

| Typical Application Locations | Exterior Walls, Fire Barriers | Air Ducts, Indoor Systems |

The comparison results show that rock wool is generally superior to glass wool in terms of fire resistance, high temperature resistance, and structural stability. While meeting basic fire resistance requirements, glass wool emphasizes lightweight, sound absorption, and ease of construction.

IV. Fire Safety Selection Recommendations in Practical Engineering Applications

In engineering practice, materials should be selected rationally based on fire resistance rating and application location:

High-rise building exterior walls and steel structure fire protection: Rock wool is the preferred choice.

HVAC ducts and interior ceiling systems: Glass wool is more commonly used.

Firebreaks and fire compartments: Rock wool offers greater safety redundancy.

General industrial and civil insulation systems: Both can be selected according to requirements.

It is important to emphasize that fire resistance is not only related to the material itself but also closely related to the system structure, installation method, and fire-resistant structural design.

Overall, the main difference between rock wool and glass wool in fire resistance lies in their high-temperature resistance and structural stability under fire conditions. Rock wool is more suitable for critical areas with high fire resistance requirements, while glass wool, while meeting basic fire resistance standards, is more suitable for conventional buildings and HVAC systems. In practical applications, scientific material selection and systematic design are essential to truly realize the fire resistance value of insulation materials.