Minerals Used for Refractories

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used in high-temperature industrial processes, such as steelmaking, glass manufacturing, cement production, and furnace linings. Minerals such as Talc, Calcium Carbonate, Dolomite, Kaolin, Quartz, Feldspar, Bentonite, Ferro Alloys, and Carbonaceous Products play a crucial role in enhancing thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to chemical corrosion.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply premium refractory-grade minerals that ensure superior durability, heat resistance, and cost-efficiency in industrial applications. Below is a detailed breakdown of each mineral’s chemical properties, uses, and significance in refractory applications.

1. Talc

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
• High melting point and low thermal expansion.
• Chemically inert and resistant to high temperatures.

Uses in Refractories

• Improves thermal shock resistance in refractory linings.
• Used as an anti-sticking agent in furnace linings.
• Enhances slag resistance and thermal insulation.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-purity talc that enhances refractory longevity and efficiency.

2. Calcium Carbonate (Calcite) – Precipitated, Coated, and Ground

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: CaCO₃
• High-temperature stability and strong fluxing properties.

Uses in Refractories

• Acts as a flux in refractory bricks to enhance durability.
• Reduces slag formation and improves sintering.
• Enhances strength and resistance to thermal stress.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply PCC, GCC, and Coated Calcium Carbonate for high-performance refractory applications.

3. Dolomite

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: CaMg(CO₃)₂
• Excellent resistance to high temperatures.

Uses in Refractories

• Used in basic refractory bricks for steel and glass industries.
• Enhances thermal shock resistance and slag resistance.
• Improves heat retention in furnaces and kilns.

At Ashok Minerals, we provide high-purity Dolomite for long-lasting refractory solutions.

4. Hydrous China Clay / Kaolin

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄
• High alumina content with good refractory properties.

Uses in Refractories

• Acts as a binding agent in firebricks and refractory cement.
• Enhances thermal insulation and resistance to chemical corrosion.
• Improves plasticity in refractory materials.

At Ashok Minerals, we provide high-quality Kaolin for high-performance refractory linings.

5. Quartz / Silica

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: SiO₂
• High melting point and excellent heat resistance.

Uses in Refractories

• Used in silica-based refractory bricks.
• Enhances thermal expansion control and slag resistance.
• Provides high-strength refractory linings.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-purity Quartz/Silica for heat-resistant refractory applications.

6. Feldspar – Potassium Feldspar & Sodium Feldspar

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: KAlSi₃O₈ (Potassium Feldspar), NaAlSi₃O₈ (Sodium Feldspar)
• High-temperature fluxing capability.

Uses in Refractories

• Acts as a flux in refractory materials, improving strength.
• Enhances heat resistance and density in refractory bricks.
• Reduces thermal expansion and shrinkage in high-heat environments.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-quality Feldspar for durable and high-performance refractory materials.

7. Bentonite

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: (Na,Ca)₀.₃(Al,Mg)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O
• High plasticity and binding strength.

Uses in Refractories

• Acts as a binding agent in refractory bricks and coatings.
• Improves thermal shock resistance.
• Enhances moldability and strength in cast refractory materials.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-quality Bentonite, ensuring superior refractory performance.

8. Ferro Alloys – Ferro Silicon, Ferro Manganese, Ferro Chrome, Silico Manganese, Slag, Inoculants

Chemical Properties

• Main Elements: Si, Mn, Fe, Cr

Uses in Refractories

• Used in high-temperature furnace linings.
• Improves thermal resistance and slag control.
• Acts as alloying agents in high-temperature applications.

Icon Ferro Alloys, our sister company, supplies high-quality Ferro Alloys for metallurgical and refractory applications.

9. Carbon & Other Carbonaceous Products – Calcined Petroleum Coke, Graphitized Petroleum Coke, Coke

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: C
• High carbon content with excellent thermal conductivity.

Uses in Refractories

• Used in carbon-based refractory bricks.
• Enhances heat resistance and mechanical strength.
• Provides superior thermal insulation and shock resistance.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply premium Carbonaceous Products to optimize refractory durability and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are minerals essential in refractory applications?

They enhance thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and slag resistance in high-temperature environments.

2. How does Bentonite improve refractory materials?

Bentonite acts as a binder, enhancing moldability and thermal shock resistance.

3. What is the role of Ferro Alloys in refractories?

Ferro Alloys improve heat resistance, slag control, and high-temperature performance.

4. How does Quartz/Silica impact refractory linings?

Quartz/Silica provides high-temperature durability and thermal expansion control.

For high-quality minerals for refractory applications, Ashok Minerals is your trusted supplier.

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