Short setting times are required for the time-optimised manufacture of cement-bonded components. The use of a setting accelerator in cement-containing bodies allows the creation of a lattice of hardly soluble silicate compounds. This gives the components sufficient strength, and the result is that they can be removed from the moulds easily, before the cement bond develops its full potential.

• SETTING ACCELERATORS Overview

Chemical binders are applied in refractory bodies to reduce or even replace hydraulic binding agents. These alternative binders allow a compaction of refractory components. After drying, these refractory components can be heated faster than hydraulically bonded bodies.

• CHEMICAL BINDERS Overview

Thixotropic vibration bodies or self-flowing castables are often used in refractory applications. These bodies must be processed with low water contents, and good flow properties are required, which can be achieved by the use of dispersants. The desired effect is an increase in density and strength, and an improved corrosion resistance.

• DISPERSANTS Overview

Wetting agents permit the introduction and dispersion of hydrophobic raw materials in refractory bodies (e.g. soot and graphite). Wetting agents are surface-active preparations exhibiting high surface affinity, which in turn decreases the surface tension of the preparation water.

• WETTING AGENTS Overview

The use of splinter porosity-inducing agents serves to adjust the pore size, pore volume and pore distribution in a targeted manner. A typical example of application is the manufacture of abrasive tools. Fibrous porosity-inducing agents are employed to reduce cracks and shrinkage and to permit faster de-watering.

• POROSITY-INDUCING AGENTS Overview

Release agents are used during the manufacture of refractory components and bricks to achieve easy separation of the mould pieces from the moulds made of steel, resin and wood.

• RELEASE AGENTS Overview