Thermal Shock Resistance (TSR) and Thermal Fatigue Resistance (TFR) of Refractory Materials. Evaluation Method Based on the Dynamic Elastic Modulus

Abstract

Refractories are defined as "non-metallic materials having those chemical and physical properties that make them applicable: for structures, or as components of systems, that are exposed to environments above 1,000 °F (811 K; 538 °C)" [1-2]. Refractory materials are used in linings for furnaces, kilns, incinerators and reactors. They are also used to make crucibles and vessels that contain molten metals. Refractory materials must be chemically and physically stable at high temperatures. They must retain their high strength in these conditions also. Depending on the operating environment, they need to be chemically inert, and/or have specific ranges of thermal conductivity and of the coefficient of thermal expansion resistance; finally, in certain applications, they must be resistant to thermal shock stresses consequence of sudden changes in temperature.