Composite Gasket Sheet

Composite gasket sheets combine two or more material layers (typically graphite, metal foil, and rubber compounds) to deliver sealing performance that no single material achieves alone. We stock several composite constructions for high-temperature exhaust manifolds, flange joints in process piping, and demanding industrial applications where temperature cycling, bolt-load retention, and blowout resistance matter.

At a Glance

Temperature Range

Cork-rubber to +150 °C; rubber-bonded fibre to +180 °C; aramid-reinforced manifold sheet to +260 °C continuous (+350 °C intermittent). For higher temperature service specify graphite-sheet, wire-reinforced-cnaf, or expanded-ptfe.

Thickness Range

0.5 mm to 6.0 mm

Pressure Range

Up to 100 bar typical (rubber-bonded constructions)

Available Forms

SheetDie-cut gasketRoll (manifold grades)

Colours

Dark grey/black (graphite grades)Grey with silver foil core (metal-insert)Dark brown/black (manifold rubber grades)
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Technical Properties

Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.

Temperature RangeGrade-dependent. Cork-rubber: -40 °C to +150 °C; rubber-bonded fibre: -40 °C to +180 °C; aramid-reinforced manifold sheet: -40 °C to +260 °C continuous, +350 °C intermittent. For graphite-based composites see graphite-sheet (-240 °C to +450 °C in air, +550 °C saturated steam)
Maximum PressureUp to 100 bar typical (rubber-bonded constructions); higher pressures require graphite or wire-reinforced grades — see graphite-sheet and wire-reinforced-cnaf
Compressibility (ASTM F36)Construction-dependent: 8–15% (rubber-bonded fibre); 15–25% (cork-rubber); 5–10% (aramid-reinforced manifold sheet)
Recovery (ASTM F36)40–60% (cork-rubber and rubber-bonded grades — recovery is the key advantage of these composite types over flexible graphite, which recovers 8–15%)
Density0.5–1.0 g/cm³ (cork-rubber); 1.4–1.8 g/cm³ (rubber-bonded fibre); 1.6–2.0 g/cm³ (aramid manifold sheet)
Thickness Range0.5–6.0 mm
Sealability (ASTM F37 / DIN 3535-6)Grade-dependent — verify against specific construction

Physical Characteristics

Density

0.5–2.0 g/cm³ (construction dependent)

Compressibility

8–25% (ASTM F36, construction dependent)

Recovery

40–60% (ASTM F36)

Chemical Resistance

Resistant To

  • Saturated steam to ~150 °C (rubber-bonded fibre); higher steam temperatures require graphite-based composites — see graphite-sheet
  • Hydrocarbons and petroleum oils (NBR-bonded grades; cork-rubber)
  • Coolants and antifreeze (manifold rubber grades)
  • Dilute acids and alkalis at ambient (rubber-bonded grades)
  • Air, nitrogen, and inert gases

Limited Resistance

  • Aromatic solvents at elevated temperature (NBR binder swells)
  • Concentrated oxidising acids (rubber binders attacked)

Not Recommended

  • Strong caustic solutions above 80 °C (rubber binder hydrolyses)
  • Fuming nitric acid, chromic acid, aqua regia, fluorine gas
  • High-pressure structural sealing — specify wire-reinforced-cnaf or graphite with metal insert
  • High-temperature service above the rubber binder ceiling — specify graphite-sheet or spiral-wound gaskets

Standards & Certifications

Standards Compliance

ASTM F104 (line-callout classification of non-metallic gasket materials)ASTM F36 (compressibility and recovery)ASTM F38 (creep relaxation)DIN 28091 (compressed fibre jointing — material classification)

Common Applications

  • High-temperature flange gaskets in process piping
  • Exhaust manifold and turbocharger gaskets
  • Steam system joints and valve bonnets
  • Heat exchanger channel gaskets
  • Petrochemical and refinery flange sealing
  • Power generation turbine casing joints
  • Boiler handhole and manhole gaskets
  • Industrial furnace and kiln door seals

Not Recommended For

  • Rubber binders cap the service temperature: NBR ~120 °C, EPDM ~150 °C, FKM ~205 °C, manifold aramid-reinforced grades ~260 °C continuous
  • Manifold sheet grades are not chemical-process gaskets — they are engineered for engine exhaust and coolant systems
  • For high-temperature service above the rubber binder ceiling, specify flexible graphite (graphite-sheet), wire-reinforced CNAF (wire-reinforced-cnaf), or spiral-wound gaskets — composite sheets in this category are not a substitute
  • Cork-rubber recovery is excellent but creep relaxation is high — re-torque after first heat cycle in elevated-temperature applications
  • Maximum temperature varies significantly between grades; confirm operating conditions before selection

Available Grades

Cork-Rubber Composite Sheet

Cork granules dispersed in a rubber binder (typically NBR or CR), delivering high recovery and conformability for low-bolt-load and uneven-surface joints. Standard choice for low-pressure transformer covers, gear case covers, and oil pan gaskets. Continuous service to 150 °C; specific gravity 0.5–1.0; 15–25% compressibility per ASTM F36.

Rubber-Bonded Fibre Composite Sheet

Aramid or mineral-fibre reinforcement in a rubber binder (NBR, EPDM, CR, or FKM). Continuous service to 180 °C depending on binder. Good general-purpose flange jointing for water, steam to ~150 °C, hydrocarbons, and dilute chemicals. Note: this overlaps with our CNAF range — see CNAF Gasket Sheet for the full binder lineup, manufacturer grades (Klingersil, Garlock Blue-Gard), and standards coverage.

Aramid-Reinforced Engine Manifold Sheet

Aramid and glass-fibre reinforced rubber compound for automotive and industrial exhaust manifold applications. Resistant to exhaust gases, oils, and coolant. Continuous service to 260 °C with intermittent excursions to 350 °C. Specified for engine head gaskets, manifold gaskets, and turbocharger flange seals.

Need Composite Gasket Sheet?

We supply composite gasket sheet in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.

Disclaimer

This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.