What Are Refractory Bricks?
Bricks are among the most significant construction materials and mankind has used them for thousands of years. But when it comes to withstanding high temperatures, normal bricks cannot serve the purpose: conventional bricks tend to crack at high temperatures. Refractory bricks are special types of bricks well known for their unmatched ability to combat high temperatures. They are also known as ceramic bricks or fire bricks.
Primary Characteristics
Some of the primary characteristics of refractory bricks include the following:
Refractory bricks are generally yellowish-white in color; they have excellent thermal resistance and great compressive strength; their chemical composition differs drastically from the composition of normal bricks; refractory bricks contain around 25-30 percent alumina and 60-70 percent silica; they also contain oxides of magnesium, calcium, and potassium; they find application in the construction of kilns and furnaces; they can withstand temperatures up to 2100 deg C; and they have the incredible thermal capacity that helps structures remain stable at extreme temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are refractory bricks needed? Ordinary bricks crack at high temperatures; refractory bricks withstand extreme heat.
What is the typical composition? About 25-30 percent alumina, 60-70 percent silica, plus oxides of magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
What temperature can they withstand? Up to about 2100 deg C.
