Aluminum Silicate Fibrous Refractories
Aluminum silicate fibrous refractories can be described as a category of refractory materials with aluminum silicate fibers as the main component. These fibers can generally be divided into two categories: silicate fibers and non-silicate fibers. Common silicate fibers include ceramic fiber and vitreous fiber, and common non-silicate fibers include graphite fiber and glass fiber.
Aluminum silicate fiber refractories are known for having good thermal shock resistance, low thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, and flexibility. They can be used in a wide variety of elements in high temperature environments. Applications include insulation, thermal insulation, and other special applications such as a corrosion resisting covering or as a refractory lining for special reaction vessels. They are commonly used in places such as glass kilns, steel furnaces, and molten metal immersion furnaces.
The production of aluminum silicate fiber refractories usually begins with the selection of a suitable type of fiber, then the fiber is converted into a high temperature resistant spun form that the fiber refractory can be formed out of. This will either be done through fiberization, which is the process of collecting a fiber in a pen-spinning machine, or through a mechanical forming process. Then the raw material is sintered and formed, and then machined and refined. The final product is then post-treated and cooled.
Aluminum silicate fiber refractory materials can also be used to make refractory composite materials, which are very common nowadays due to their high temperature resistance, low thermal conductivity, high thermal shock resistance, heat storage capacity, and good hot and cold strength. Commonly used composite structures include refractory centers, refractory clay, and board structures. The board structures are the most frequently used structures, as they can have good load bearing properties, easy installation, and a high degree of crossover and expansion.
The temperature resistance of aluminum silicate fiber refractories is generally high and can withstand up to 3000℃ in some cases. In addition, these fibers also exhibit good corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and resistance to vibration and thermal shock in certain applications. Aluminum silicate fiber refractories can also be used in temperature ranges as wide as -60°C to +1700°C, making them suitable for many applications. The fiber refractories are also non-combustible, with a low fire load and high ignition temperature.
Aluminum silicate fiber refractories have many advantages compared to traditional refractories, such as greater insulation, good thermal shock resistance, low thermal conductivity, and greater flexibility. In addition, aluminum silicate fibers are light in weight, easy to handle, and have good thermal and mechanical properties. These and other advantages make them widely used in many applications including glass kilns, steel furnaces, and other high temperature elements.
