Compressed Fibre & Gasket Sheet

Compressed non-asbestos fibre (CNAF) sheets are the backbone of flat gasket sealing. We stock a range of fibre-reinforced, flexible graphite, and composite jointing sheets from established manufacturers, each formulated for the pressure, temperature, and chemical service conditions of its target application.

Compressed non-asbestos fibre gasket sheet showing layered cross-section.

Overview

Compressed fibre and gasket sheet materials form the largest family of flat gasket sealing products used in industrial flanged connections. This category covers three distinct groups. CNAF (compressed non-asbestos fibre) sheets are bound with elastomer binders and suit the widest range of general industrial flanges. NBR-bound CNAF covers the majority of general-service flanges; FKM, graphite, and PTFE-filled grades step in where the fluid demands it. Flexible graphite sheets, expanded from natural graphite flake, handle extreme temperature and chemical environments. Composite sheets combine graphite or rubber compounds with metal reinforcement for high-pressure duty. Each group is matched to a particular service envelope rather than treated as interchangeable.

CNAF Sheet

Compressed non-asbestos fibre sheets calendared from elastomer binders with fibre and filler reinforcement systems. The binder type determines the primary chemical and temperature resistance of each grade.

NBR-Bound CNAF — General Service

The workhorse. NBR-bound CNAF is what we cut first when nothing in the spec rules it out. Nitrile elastomer binder with aramid or mixed fibre reinforcement. Suited to oils, fuels, gases, and general chemical service to around 200°C.

SBR-Bound CNAF

Styrene butadiene rubber binder sheet. Suited to water, steam, inorganic salt solutions, and mild alkali service. Lower oil resistance than NBR-bound grades but better performance with hot water and steam condensate.

EPDM-Bound CNAF

EPDM elastomer binder sheet. Better hot water and steam resistance than NBR-bound grades, with improved ozone and weathering tolerance. Common in water treatment, HVAC, and steam condensate lines.

CR-Bound CNAF

Where one binder has to cover refrigerants, moderate oils, and salt-laden coastal air, neoprene-bound CNAF is the answer. Wider media compatibility than any other standard rubber-bound CNAF. Used in marine, refrigeration, and general chemical applications.

FKM-Bound CNAF

Fluoroelastomer binder with inorganic fibre reinforcement. Extends service to concentrated acids, aromatic solvents, and aggressive chemicals where standard CNAF grades fail. Higher continuous temperature rating than NBR or EPDM grades.

Silicone-Bound CNAF

Silicone elastomer binder sheet for high-temperature steam, glycol, and organic solvent service. Maintains sealing performance across a very wide temperature range, including sub-zero applications.

High-Temp Inorganic Mineral Fibre CNAF

When organic binders char and the gasket fails, this is what replaces it. Inorganic mineral fibre binder system rated for continuous service above 250°C, up to 400°C+. Common on exhaust systems, furnace connections, and high-temperature process equipment.

PTFE-Filled CNAF

CNAF sheet with a PTFE or PTFE/silica filler system. Has near-universal chemical resistance and FDA compliance. Handles like CNAF and holds bolt-load like CNAF, but the filler delivers PTFE-grade chemical inertness.

Modified PTFE Gasket Sheet — Low Creep

Sintered modified PTFE compound sheet. Not a CNAF — no fibre reinforcement. Positioned here as it directly replaces CNAF sheets in services requiring full chemical inertness with improved creep and cold-flow resistance over virgin PTFE.

Graphite/NBR Composite Sheet

A middle ground between standard CNAF and pure flexible graphite. Graphite particles dispersed in an NBR matrix with fibre reinforcement. Better thermal conductivity and sealability than plain CNAF, at noticeably less than the cost of pure graphite.

Flexible Graphite Sheet

Manufactured from expanded natural graphite flake compressed into flexible sheet form. The result is a sheet that holds at temperatures CNAF cannot reach and conforms to flange faces that are no longer perfectly flat. Most of the high-temperature steam and exhaust gaskets we cut sit in this group.

Unreinforced Flexible Graphite

Pure expanded graphite sheet, 99%+ carbon. Continuous service to 450°C in oxidising atmospheres and significantly higher in non-oxidising or inert environments. Excellent conformability and recovery for critical flange sealing.

SS Tanged Insert Reinforced Graphite

Pure graphite tears at the wrong moment. The 316SS tanged metal insert running through the sheet stops it. The insert also prevents blow-out under high differential pressure and lets gaskets be cut and installed without tearing.

Wire Mesh/Foil Insert Reinforced Graphite

Flexible graphite sheet reinforced with SS wire mesh or flat metal foil insert. Provides improved structural integrity and blow-out resistance with a thinner, more uniform cross-section than tanged insert grades.

High-Pressure Flexible Graphite

Higher-density flexible graphite sheet specifically rated for elevated bolt-load and high-pressure service. Reduced creep relaxation and improved sealability at extreme compressive stress compared to standard graphite sheet.

Composite Gasket Sheet

Engineered composite sheets combining graphite or rubber compounds with metal reinforcement layers for specialised sealing applications.

Graphite-Steel Foil Insert Composite

Flexible graphite with integrally laminated SS or carbon steel foil. Combines the sealing performance of graphite with the structural strength and blow-out resistance of bonded metal, suited to high-pressure and high-temperature flanges.

Rubber-Compound Engine Manifold Sheet

Proprietary rubber/fibre compound sheet formulated specifically for engine and industrial manifold gasketing. Engineered for exhaust gas resistance, thermal cycling, and the irregular sealing surfaces common in engine and manifold assemblies.

Related Resources

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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.