Non-Oxidizing Refractory Materials
The term refractory describes a substance or material that has the ability to resist high temperatures as well as abrasion. This resistance makes refractory materials ideal for a variety of industrial applications where heat may be an issue. The majority of refractory materials are made of either non-oxide ceramics or metal alloys. Non-oxide material, also known as non-oxidizing refractory material, is composed of the very common silica or silicate material. This type of material has superior resistance to heat and corrosion, making it popular in high-temperature furnace applications.
Non-oxidizing refractory materials are used in forges, foundries, and metals melting furnaces due to their resilience to heat. These materials are different from oxide-based refractories in that they are formed from glass-like amorphous solids as opposed to crystalline solids. Non-oxide materials have a low thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance properties, making them suitable for applications where temperature fluctuation may occur. Refractories are also used to contain molten metal, steel and nonferrous metal for more efficient processing.
Silica-based refractory materials have the highest thermal resistance, making them the safest choice for industrial applications. High Alumina and Alumina-Silicate refractories are also used in fortges, however they are not as suitable to applications with regular temperature fluctuations or in resistance furnace environments. Magnesia-based refractories are useful when high corrosion resistance is required.
The types of refractory materials that may be used in a heat-resistant application are based on the application and desired properties. When selecting a non-oxide refractory material, abrasion and erosion should be taken into consideration. Depending on the application it may be desired for the refractory to retain a certain shape, so selectivity in the chemical make up is important. Hot and cold face applications, as well as creep strength, may also come into play when constructing a furnace or otherheat-resistant application. It is important to consider the specific application and chemical make up that will allow the best performance of the non-oxide refractory material.
Non-oxide refractories are incredibly strong and heat-resistant. They offer excellent thermal shock resistance and can usually retain a large amount of heat without suffering structural damage. As long as the material is taken care of properly, non-oxide refractories are one of the best solutions for high-temperature industrial applications. Additionally, silicates and silica refractory materials can be made into custom shapes and sizes in order to meet the exact specifications of any given application. Refractories are an important part of many industrial processes and are the only type of material suitable for many high temperature applications.
