Tomsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (TSUACE) and the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have joined forces to develop new, more durable and fire-resistant materials. These materials are intended for use in metallurgy and will help reduce the cost of furnace maintenance and repair.
Refractory ceramic materials are fragile; cracks in them develop rapidly, leading to a complete loss of strength and destruction. Our research is aimed at forming a complex, multi-level structure of a composite ceramic refractory material. By controlling the composition and internal stresses, it is possible to achieve a material that will resist the development of cracks forming within it, retaining up to 60% of its original strength
In the steel industry, furnaces require major repairs every 1-3 years due to the wear of the ceramic inside the furnace, which protects them from high temperatures and aggressive environments. The cause of wear is the formation and growth of cracks, which reduce the strength of the material. Unlike traditional brittle ceramics, the new development is a multi-layered component. This material is capable of retaining up to 60% of its original strength even in the presence of cracks, which significantly extends its service life at maximum temperatures. This is especially important for metallurgy, where frequent replacements of furnace elements entail production shutdowns and significant costs. Increasing the intervals between repairs will reduce downtime and increase profitability.
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