The refractory materials market size is expected to grow by USD 6.55 billion during 2022 and 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.84% during the forecast period. During the forecast period, 62% of the growth will take place in APAC. In this region, the demand for refractory materials is increasing, which is mainly a result of the presence of many emerging and developed countries. Several industrial, commercial, and residential projects are under construction in countries such as China, Indonesia, South Korea, and India, which complement the demand for steel products such as slabs, plates, rebars, and sheet piles. Market growth in this region will be boosted by such factors during the forecast period. In this article, we will look at what are refractory materials, what the types of refractory materials are, and what the characteristics of refractory materials are as well as their applications.
What are refractory materials?
Refactory materials are materials that can withstand high temperatures and are used in applications where they come into contact with molten substances or extreme heat. These materials have high melting points and low thermal conductivity, which allows them to retain their strength and form even when exposed to high temperatures. Refractory materials are commonly used in furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other industrial processes that involve high temperatures. Some common examples of refractory materials include ceramic fibers, silica bricks, fire clay, alumina, and zirconia.
What the types of refractory materials are?
There are three main types of refractory materials, including:
- Acidic refractories: These are made of acidic materials such as silica, alumina, and fire clay. They are used in applications where they come into contact with acidic substances such as phosphoric acid.
- Basic refractories: These are made of basic materials such as magnesia, dolomite, and chrome-magnesia. They are used in applications where they come into contact with basic substances such as lime or ammonia.
- Neutral refractories: These are made of neutral materials such as chromite, carbon, and zirconia. They are used in applications where they are not exposed to acidic or basic substances.
Each type of refractory material has its own unique properties and advantages, and the selection of the appropriate type depends on the specific application and operating conditions.
Properties of Refractory Materials
Refractory materials have a variety of properties that are important for their use in high-temperature applications. Some of the key properties of refractory materials include:
- High melting point: Refractory materials are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures without melting or degrading.
- High strength at high temperatures: Refractory materials must be able to maintain their strength even at very high temperatures.
- Low thermal conductivity: Refractory materials should have low thermal conductivity to minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption.
- Good thermal shock resistance: Refractory materials must be able to withstand sudden temperature changes without cracking or breaking.
- Chemical stability: Refractory materials need to be resistant to chemical reactions with the materials they come into contact with, such as acids, bases, and slags.
- Abrasion resistance: Refractory materials should be able to resist wear due to the movement of materials within high-temperature processes.
- Porosity: Some refractory materials have an open porosity that allows gases to pass through, which can help to reduce corrosion and increase efficiency in some applications.
The specific properties required for a given application will depend on its operating conditions, so it is important to carefully select the right type of refractory material for the job.
Applications of Refractory Materials
Refractory materials find applications in various industries where materials must be resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and abrasion. Some common applications of refractory materials include:
- Furnaces: Refractory materials are used to construct furnace linings due to their ability to withstand very high temperatures without melting or degrading.
- Kilns: Refractory materials are used to line kilns, which are used for high-temperature processes such as firing ceramics and calcining minerals.
- Power generation: Refractory materials are used in power generation facilities, such as boilers and incinerators, to withstand the high temperatures and chemical reactions that occur during combustion.
- Petrochemical industry: Refractory materials are used in the petrochemical industry for lining reactors, furnaces, and other processing equipment.
- Steel industry: Refractory materials are used in the steel industry for lining blast furnaces, ladles, and other high-temperature vessels.
- Glass industry: Refractory materials are used in the glass industry for lining furnaces and tanks used in the production of glass.
- Cement industry: Refractory materials are used in the cement industry for lining kilns and other high-temperature equipment used in the production of cement.
These are just a few examples of the many applications of refractory materials in various industries. The specific type of refractory material used will depend on the requirements of the particular application, such as temperature, chemical compatibility, and abrasion resistance.
Top 5 Refractory Materials Manufacturers
1, Cumi-murugappa
Website: https://www.cumi-murugappa.com/
Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), founded in 1954, is a leading materials sciences engineering solutions provider. CUMI is listed on NSE and BSE with a consolidated revenue of Rs. 3300 crores and a profit of Rs. 333 crores for the financial year 2022. Its integrated operations include mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. It belongs to the 120-year-old Murugappa Group. Over 5,500 employees at CUMI collaborate, innovate and deliver high-quality materials and services in abrasives, electrominerals, ceramics, refractories and energy storage materials. Our customers include engineering, fabrication, auto components, infrastructure, steel, glass, power generation and distribution, mining, aerospace and more. Over 50 countries export products to CUMI across six continents.
2, Mahakoshalrefractories
Website: https://mahakoshalrefractories.com/
Mahakoshal Refractories Pvt. Ltd. (MRPL) is a company that was established in 1969. As India’s leading manufacturer of World Class Refractories, MRPL provides Total Refractories Solutions (TRS) to its customers. The company follows a business philosophy focused on developing long-term relationships with its customers, suppliers and employees. This is achieved through the supply of quality products, sharp delivery commitments, and world-class services.
3, Trlkrosaki
Website: https://www.trlkrosaki.com/
The TRL Krosaki company has been certified by the Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and is the leading manufacturer of refractories in India. RH Snorkel Refractories, Dolomite refractories, High Alumina refractories, Monolithics refractories, Silica refractories, Taphole Clay refractories, and Silica refractories are among its products. In addition to providing refractories management, engineering and technical support services, the company also offers technical services to its customers.
4, Msiarefractory
Website: https://www.msiarefractory.com/
Msia Refractory Limited is a company that specializes in producing magnesia refractory materials, which are primarily utilized in the steel metallurgy industry. Its range of products includes Dead Burned Magnesia, Fused Magnesia, Caustic Calcined Magnesia, Light Burnt Magnesia Ball and Refractory Bricks among others. The company has a high production capacity, with 7000 tons per month for dead burned magnesia, 5000 tons per month for fused magnesia, and 10000 tons per month for caustic calcined magnesia.
5, Rescoproducts
Website: https://www.rescoproducts.com/
For over 50 years, Resco Products has been a leading player in the refractory industry with 11 facilities across North America, making them well equipped to provide efficient and prompt service to their customers. The company prides itself on its ability to create innovative products that minimize downtime and increase productivity for their clients. To ensure utmost quality, each product goes through multiple inspections during the manufacturing process before shipping, demonstrating Resco’s attention to detail. With its team of industry experts, Resco can address any complications its clients face and tailor solutions that best align with their specific goals. Thanks to its enhanced engineering department, Resco is capable of formulating customized, detailed schematics and 3D modeling – an approach that deviates from traditional “cookie cutter” solutions, emphasizing the unique value proposition that Resco brings to the table.
