What are the properties of monolithic refractories?

Monolithic refractory, a term for all kinds of unshaped refractory products, is basically a kind of refractory material. Monolithic castable refractory is famous for its outstanding characteristics, such as its variability in shapes and sizes, which makes it of great popularity in recent years. Generally speaking, monolithic refractory cement has advantages over refractory bricks. What is special about monolithic castable refractories? What are the advantages of monolithic castable refractories? This passage might give you a better understanding about this type of material.

-        What are monolithic refractories?

-        Properties of monolithic refractories

          o   Adaptability

          o   Resistance

          o   Other properties

What are monolithic refractories?

Monolithic castable refractories are, in essence, materials that are blended with certain forms of suspension and the mixture eventually harden into solid masses. Monolithic refractory cement is usually made of aluminum silicate and silicon carbide as well as stabilized cement and binders. Monolithic refractory cement is famous for its excellent characteristics. It has a wide range of usages, among which the most common one is to maintain or construct burning facilities such as furnaces. Monolithic castable refractory generally consists of graded refractory aggregates, adhesives and fillers.

Properties of monolithic refractories

As monolithic castable refractory is in essence a kind of refractory material, it possesses basic properties that most of the refractory products have, such as refractoriness, low thermal conductivity. However, monolithic refractory cement also has its unique characteristics, including its wide adaptability to a wide range of applications and its outstanding resistance.

Adaptability:

Monolithic castable refractory is also popularly known as unshaped refractory, which indicates that it does not have a fixed shape. In fact, monolithic castable refractories can be molded or given any shape as needed and they only have shapes in application, which promotes quick installations. Therefore, monolithic refractory cements are usually used for almost joints-free linings or repairs of high temperature facilities.

Resistance:

Monolithic castable refractories are resistant to multiple impacts. First, they have resistance to thermal shock. Resistance to thermal shock means they cannot be heated up or cooled down rapidly, and thermal resistance enables them to withstand high temperatures ranging from 950 – 1350 Celsius degrees. Monolithic refractories are also resistant to abrasion or some mechanical vibration and impact, making them relatively strong and durable. Moreover, they have chemical inertness, which means monolithic refractory cements are not easily engaged in chemical reactions. The property of chemical inertness contributes to their stability.

Other properties:

Other advantages of monolithic castable refractory includes low bulk density, good insulating power, low permeability and the ability to shrink or expand in applications. Its low bulk density leads to its lightness in weight, making it easy and convenient to transport and handle during constructions. The insulating power is resulted from low thermal conductivity. Its shrinkage and expansion to match different applications is another pro, but it can sometimes be a con as well.

In general, monolithic castable refractories are more popular than other refractory materials. Their prominent properties enable them to serve in some severe environments.