Seeking Novel Innovations for Self-healing Refractories

Refractories are materials that are resistant to decomposition by heat, pressure, or chemical attack, and retain strength and form at high temperatures (> 1200°C). They are made mainly of oxides (e.g., MgO, Al2O3 and SiO2), with a fine matrix and grains up to a few millimetres depending on the product line. Various binders are also used depending on the product line and application.

Current examples of self‑healing refractory technology include oxidation induced healing (e.g., using additives such as SiC and B4C), material expansion (e.g., in situ Al2O3-...