Examples of refractory materials surround us. When a material is classified as refractory it suggests the material retains its strength at raised temperatures. So as to do this it must remain both chemically and physically stable. This is particularly helpful in such areas as furnaces, incinerators, kilns and particularly reactors. Without this capability the whole unit would melt as fast as in depth heat was applied.
There are several different main materials that are used as refractory products. These include silicon, aluminum, magnesium and often, even calcium. Fireclays can also be used, but usually only in such items as ceramics.
The sort of refractory material that is utilized will largely rely on what conditions they may encounter. This indicates that some materials are better for unusually high temperatures than others. Some may be satisfactory for conditions where the temperatures are very grim, while a few others may not be used when they chance coming into contact with oxygen, as they can oxidize, or corrode.
Except for their general use, there are other techniques that these materials can also be categorized. As an example, it can be according to what main elements they are made of and how they are made, whether or not they are extruded, moulded, cast, for example. Or it can be what form they possess, whether they are formed into a fixed shape or if they're unformed and awaiting application to give them size and shape.
Without reference to their makeup, use or physical formation, a key component to making use of their unique qualities is to use caution when heating them. The key concern here is to avoid thermal shock of the material, which dries it out and can create strains to form in the metal.
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