Transite

Transite is a completely fireproof composite material made of asbestos and cement, which was once frequently used for such purposes as furnace flues, and shingles, siding, and wallboard for areas where fire retardancy is particularly important. Because cutting, breaking, and machining transite releases carcinogenic asbestos fibers into the air, its use has fallen out of favor.

Related Topics:
Composite material - Asbestos - Cement - Carcinogen

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Transite was available as early as 1929, as it was used for the skin of the 1929 Hollywood Bowl shell, which stood until the fall of 2003. As an acoustic material, however, transite has the additional problem that its cement binder continues to harden over an indefinite period of time, which can introduce harsh echoes.

Related Topics:
Hollywood Bowl - Acoustic

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