Refractories

A shocking development—electrodynamic fragmentation could provide high-quality recycled materials for the refractory industry

By Lisa McDonald / March 18, 2022

Recycling and reusing waste materials is one approach the refractories industry is pursuing to improve sustainability. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics have explored the potential of electrodynamic fragmentation to recycle composites, and their recent study looks specifically at the potential of this technique applied to refractory materials.

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Ceramic characterization reveals the practices of a late medieval brass foundry

By Lisa McDonald / March 11, 2022

Historical research on the trade of metal supplies and objects often overshadows studies on the practices, recipes, and supplies of clays used by metallurgists of the time. Researchers in Belgium and France characterized metallurgical ceramic samples from the remains of a Late Medieval Period foundry in Brussels and found the analyses, in conjunction with written sources, highlight the mobility of clay materials, not just metal.

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Innovations in refractory technology, plus more inside March 2022 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / February 17, 2022

The March 2022 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring refractory issues related to the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel—is now available online. Plus—UNITECR meeting abstracts.

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Cementing a new tradition—researchers explore effectiveness of various joining materials in rotary kilns

By Lisa McDonald / December 21, 2021

Steel plates are the typical material used to join refractory ceramics in rotary kilns, but certain conditions can lead the steel to deteriorate and cause catastrophic wear. Researchers in Japan explored whether a basic mortar could be used instead of steel plates.

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Reducing the need for trial and error—systematic selection of inorganic binders for refractories

By Lisa McDonald / September 17, 2021

The binder used in refractory production requires careful consideration because it can influence the refractory’s final mechanical and chemical properties. Researchers in Germany advanced a selective and systematic method for choosing an inorganic binder.

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Casting for alternatives—researchers explore potential of potassium carbonate as flux in continuous steel casting

By Lisa McDonald / January 22, 2021

In continuous steel casting, ceramic powders are thrown on top of the liquid metal to prevent oxidation. Two researchers from Japan investigate whether potassium carbonate may serve as an alternative to more expensive materials in the powder.

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Single-step synthesis of refractory ceramics, plus more inside September 2020 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / August 20, 2020

The September 2020 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring single-step synthesis of refractory ceramics—is now available online. Plus—Awards and C&GM

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Video: Refractories—the hidden essential industry

By Lisa McDonald / May 13, 2020

As local and federal governments mandate which businesses and industries are essential, some governments initially overlooked the refractory industry. Learn about what makes the refractory industry essential and what some refractory companies are doing to secure the right to reopen.

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Fibers from recycled beverage straws may make refractories processing safer and cheaper

By Lisa McDonald / March 13, 2020

Plastic straws cannot be recycled to make new straws, but that does not mean straws are nonrecyclable. Researchers in Brazil looked at turning straws into anti-spalling fibers for refractory castables.

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Modeling advances materials research, plus more inside March 2020 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / February 20, 2020

The March 2020 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring discrete element modeling of refractory materials—is now available online. Plus—new ACerS Division and ACerS-ECerS MOU

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