Silicon Carbide Castable
Silicon Carbide Castable consists of high-purity SILICON CARBIDE (SiC) aggregate and a high-performance binding system. Due to the inert nature of SiC, the binder must be highly compatible, often an oxide binder (like Al2O3/SiO2 cement or clay) or a chemical binder (like colloidal silica/alumina).
| CATEGORY | BINDER TYPE (Matrix) | SiC CONTENT | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Oxide-Bonded SiC | Al2O3–SiO2 (Mullite/Clay) | 60% to 80% | High thermal shock resistance, economical |
| High-Purity SiC | Low-Cement $Al2O3 | 85% to 95% | Maximum hot strength and thermal conductivity |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | OUTSTANDING | Extremely high thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) prevent thermal stress cracking. |
| Thermal Conductivity (Tc) | EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH | SiC is highly conductive, crucial for heat transfer applications (e.g., heat exchangers). |
| Chemical Inertness | EXCELLENT | Resists molten aluminum, zinc, and neutral/reducing atmospheres. |
| Abrasion Resistance | EXTREME | The intrinsic hardness of the SiC grain resists mechanical scouring and particle erosion. |
Silicon Carbide Castable
Advantages and Key Characteristics
SiC Castables are specialized materials used in applications where a combination of high heat transfer, aggressive wear, and chemical attack requires a material superior to standard oxide castables.
- Rapid Heat Transfer: The high thermal conductivity of SiC is utilized when heat must be efficiently transferred through the lining (e.g., radiant tubes, heat exchanger walls, or furnace hearths).
- Superior Thermal Stability: The combination of high Tc and low CTE makes SiC castables highly resistant to spalling and thermal cracking, allowing for faster furnace cycle times than oxide refractories.
- Corrosion and Penetration Resistance: SiC is non-wetting to many non-ferrous molten metals (especially Aluminum) and is highly resistant to chemical attack in neutral and reducing atmospheres, making it ideal for metal contact zones.
- Ease of Installation in Complex Shapes: Unlike prefabricated SiC bricks or beams, the castable form allows for the easy creation of complex, monolithic shapes like burner blocks, cyclone cones, and intricate runner linings.
Typical Industries and Applications
This castable is essential in high-wear, high-value, and temperature-critical processes:
- Non-Ferrous Industry: Linings for launders, tapping blocks, thermocouple protection sheaths, and contact zones in aluminum and zinc holding furnaces.
- Ferrous Industry (Steel): High-wear zones in Blast Furnace stacks, furnace hearths (for heat transfer), and coke oven door linings.
- Waste Incineration: Linings in high-wear, high-temperature zones exposed to corrosive ash and gas flow.
- Kiln Furniture: Cast setters and supports for non-load-bearing applications where fast cycling is necessary.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for structural, heat-transfer, and high-wear areas:
- BURNER BLOCKS/PORTS: Used to resist high localized heat and flame erosion.
- CYCLONE CONES/LINERS: Used to resist severe abrasion from high-velocity particles (e.g., in the cement industry).
- METAL CONTACT ZONES: Used to prevent sticking and chemical degradation by molten metal.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus on thermal properties and bond limitations:
- SiC Content: CRITICAL VALUE. Generally 60% to 95%—higher content means better thermal performance but higher cost.
- Thermal Conductivity (Tc): Look for high values (e.g., 10 – 40 W / (m.K)) and confirm the value at the service temperature.
- Bonding System: Understand the limitation of the bond. Oxide-bonded systems are less expensive but have lower maximum service T than chemical-bonded or high-purity SiC systems.
- Atmosphere Compatibility: SiC is less suitable for strongly oxidizing environments above 1400°C but excellent in neutral or reducing environments.
Technical Guidance: Like all high-density castables, SiC castables require a strict, slow dry-out schedule to prevent explosive spalling. They are generally superior to oxide castables in thermal shock environments, but their chemical resistance to strongly basic slags (high CaO) is poor.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
