What Are Refractory Materials?
Refractories refer to a variety of materials that can be used in high-temperature environments, typically exceeding 1,000 °F (538 °C).
Refractory materials are inorganic, non-metallic substances engineered to withstand extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 1,000 °F (538 °C), while maintaining structural integrity and strength. They serve as critical components in industrial systems such as furnaces, kilns, boilers, incinerators, reactors, and electrical insulation, where thermal endurance is essential. Refractory material is especially preferred for:
THERMAL STABILITY
Refractory materials retain strength and rigidity at high temperatures, preventing failure in heat-intensive processes
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Especially when using insulating refractories, operations run more efficiently by reducing heat loss
CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL RESISTANCE
Crucial in harsh industrial environments where wear or corrosion is typical.
What Are Refractories Made Of?
Refractory products are typically created from a mix of natural and engineered, nonmetallic materials designed to perform under extreme heat. Depending on the application, they commonly include compounds and minerals such as alumina, fireclay, bauxite, magnesite, dolomite, chromite, silicon carbide, or zirconia. Each ingredient brings its own strengths, like resistance to thermal shock, abrasion, or chemical attack, allowing refractories to be customized for the demanding environments they protect.
What Are refractory materials Used For?
At their core, refractories are designed to withstand and control high temperatures while protecting equipment and processes. These materials truly are unsung heroes. They show up in everyday uses like fireplace linings as well as in some of the most advanced applications, including aerospace heat shields for rockets reentering the atmosphere.
In industry, refractories are essential for lining furnaces, kilns, boilers, reactors, ladles, and other vessels that must hold or process materials at elevated temperatures. By providing thermal insulation and structural strength, they extend equipment life, improve safety, and boost energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right High-Temperature Material
With so many different refractory and insulating materials available on the market, including ceramic fibers, calcium silicate, fireclay, alumina boards, and phenolics, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. The best choice depends on factors like:
OPERATING TEMPERATURE
Will it need to perform at 1,000 °F, 2,000 °F, or beyond?
ENVIRONMENT
Is the material exposed to chemicals, slag, abrasion, or thermal cycling?
FORM AND FABRICATION Do you need sheet, board, rod, or a custom-machined part?
ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS
Is insulation performance and heat retention a top priority?
Because each material has its own strengths and limitations, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where Red Seal’s expertise comes in. We’ve been working with refractory and high-temperature insulating materials since 1946 and have seen it all.
Our team can help you evaluate your application and recommend the right high-temperature material for your needs—ensuring performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Give us a call at 216-941-3900 or send us a message to learn more about our refractory material offerings or to get a quote.
Designed for use at high temperature, while retaining strength and integrity over years of mechanical and thermal abuse. The material is rated for up to 1292º F and has a density of 120 pcf.