Title

Graphite in Refractories

Graphite in Refractories

Authorship

COOPER, C. F.

COOPER, C. F.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-18Aciaria-03-40

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Abstract

Graphite has been used as a constituent of refractories for over two hundred years. Its early use was primarily in crucibles and by the mid 1800s it was extensively used for this purpose, in combination with refractory clay binders. This proved to be its principal role until the last few decades, although it also was in general use as a slag and metal resistant material for applications such as skim blocks in metal furnaces and metal launders. Over the years the clay-bonded versions changed little from the early formulations except that the two materials improved in quality. Minor constituents were added, such as rammed alumina which increased strength and oxidation resistance. Silicon carbide was also introduced as a general constituent in crucibles which had properties of this man-made mineral become common. The use of clays as precursors for a carbon bond increased through the '30s and '40s and in recent years carbon-bonded crucibles largely replaced those based on a clay bond. These changes came about by an evolutionary process with perhaps certain milestones such as carbon bonding and the introduction of silicon carbide. However, there has recently been an explosion of new graphite refractories, caused by a need for superior properties.

Graphite has been used as a constituent of refractories for over two hundred years. Its early use was primarily in crucibles and by the mid 1800s it was extensively used for this purpose, in combination with refractory clay binders. This proved to be its principal role until the last few decades, although it also was in general use as a slag and metal resistant material for applications such as skim blocks in metal furnaces and metal launders. Over the years the clay-bonded versions changed little from the early formulations except that the two materials improved in quality. Minor constituents were added, such as rammed alumina which increased strength and oxidation resistance. Silicon carbide was also introduced as a general constituent in crucibles which had properties of this man-made mineral become common. The use of clays as precursors for a carbon bond increased through the '30s and '40s and in recent years carbon-bonded crucibles largely replaced those based on a clay bond. These changes came about by an evolutionary process with perhaps certain milestones such as carbon bonding and the introduction of silicon carbide. However, there has recently been an explosion of new graphite refractories, caused by a need for superior properties.

Keywords

graphite, refractories, crucibles, carbon bonding, silicon carbide

graphite, refractories, crucibles, carbon bonding, silicon carbide