Understanding Refractories and Their Beneficial Properties

 Refractories are resistant to high temperatures and corrosion and remain unchanged throughout the years. The most common types are fire clay bricks, basic burnt bricks, precast and pre-fired shapes, slide gates and purges, ramming mass and low cement constables, etc. Today, refractory companies in India are creating highly durable refractory products to meet the diversified needs of industries. Mentioned below are some of their most vital benefits: - 

High-Temperature Resistance

Refractories are specifically designed to have a high melting point (typically ≤ 2000 °C), which means they can withstand high temperatures. This property of refractoriness is beneficial for industries where materials are melted and processed at exceptionally high temperatures such as blast furnaces and glass tank regenerators. 

Chemical Resistance

Chemical resistance or inertness is crucial in processes (like glass production or chemical processing) that involve exposure to corrosive and reactive substances such as acids, alkalis, and molten salts. Refractories are made from a combination of compounds mostly synthetic, inorganic and non-metallic with a high degree of porosity. These materials are highly resistant to chemical reactions and contamination, preventing refractories from degrading despite their harsh environment.

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the property that defines the ability of a material to transfer heat without melting. Most materials, when they go through sudden temperature fluctuations go through thermal shock, form cracks, and are prone to spalling. Refractories are subjected to changes in temperatures, especially in processes where heating and cooling cycles are frequent. However, they are engineered for thermal shock resistance and can maintain their structural integrity in harsh conditions. 

Slag Resistance

Slag is a by-product of smelting, which is formed when impurities in raw materials come in contact with oxidizing agents at high temperatures. It can be fuel ash, fly ash, sintered cement blocks, or molten glass. Although the composition of slag varies depending on the raw materials used and the process involved, refractory materials are formulated to be chemically inert and have a dense and uniform structure that prevents them from slag corrosion.

Refractories are used in a wide range of industrial applications. From lining smelting furnaces and kilns in the steel, glass, and ceramic industries to reactors and other vessels in the cement, petrochemical, machinery, boiler, light industry, electric and nuclear power, refractory materials are invaluable. Presently, manufacturers of refractories in India are focusing on supporting the various industries and promoting local production, contributing to the country’s self-reliance goals.