A refractory is built to withstand high temperatures with the aim of strengthening a specific mineral resistant to decomposition by heat, pressure, or chemical attack.
Refractories are also used to make crucibles and molds for casting glass and metals. Thus refractories are used in a multitude of industries and form a key part of the industry.
Refractory materials are the components used to build refractories and these materials need to be made of a very specific composition in order to withstand the extreme conditions it will be exposed to. The composition of the materials will also be different from industry to industry depending on the intended use.
Refractory materials are used in furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors.
The iron- and steel-industry and metal casting sectors use approximately 70% of all refractories produced as it forms an essential part of the production process.