Refractory
In general, products that are used at high temperatures (more than 600 degrees Celsius) in various devices, furnaces, and industries can be described as refractories. It is obvious that the importance of refractories is not only in their thermal stability but also their physical and chemical stability against the destructive effects of the high-temperature environment. For example, the melting point of a refractory may be around 2000 degrees Celsius, but it cannot last for a long time against the effect of abrasion or corrosion of materials or hot gases. In other words, refractories are materials with a high melting point that are able to maintain chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties (bending, abrasion, thermal shock, etc.) in practical conditions and at high temperatures.
There are various forms of refractories which differ in terms of shape, structure, chemical composition, applications, etc. For example, refractory materials can be classified into two categories based on their physical form: unshaped (monolithic) or shaped refractories. The materials of industrial refractories are usually based on main oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, CaO, Cr2O3 and ZrO2). The chemical composition of refractory materials plays a crucial role in determining their properties and performance in various high-temperature applications.
Low cement refractory castables (LCC) and Ultra-low cement refractory castables (ULCC) are a type of monolithic refractory material that contains a lower amount of cement binder (CaO) compared to conventional castables. There is also no cement castable which almost doesn’t have any CaO. These castables are designed to offer improved properties such as high strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal shock resistance. The reduced cement content helps in lowering porosity and improving the refractory’s performance at high temperatures.
Hydratable alumina is used in the production of refractory materials. Hydratable alumina can be used as a binder in refractory mixes, helping to hold the refractory materials together. When combined with other refractory materials like alumina, silica, or fire clay, hydratable alumina forms a strong, heat-resistant matrix. The porous structure of hydratable alumina can help improve the spalling resistance of refractory materials. Spalling is the flaking or cracking of the refractory surface due to thermal shock or mechanical stress. The pores in hydratable alumina can help dissipate these stresses, reducing the risk of spalling. Hydratable alumina is highly resistant to thermal degradation, maintaining its properties at high temperatures. This thermal stability makes it a valuable component in refractory formulations that need to withstand extreme heat. The hydration and dehydration properties of hydratable alumina can improve the plasticity and workability of refractory mixes. This can enhance the shaping, molding, and installation of refractory materials.
EAM offers hydratable alumina with precise specific surface area, pore size, and particle size distribution which are ideal for refractory purposes.