Abstract: Unfired refractory structural member in the form of a plate for the expendable lining of metallurgical vessels, especially for tundishes used in continuous steel casting, and comprising magnesia sinter and possibly olivine with a grading of 30-45% by weight under 0.09 mm, and 55-70% by weight 0.09 to 4 mm, including 20-40% by weight over 1 mm; cork or granulated ceramic fibers as a pore-forming material; an inorganic binder; and possibly other additives. This refractory structural member has good strength, a small ignition loss, a low content of volatile hydrogen-containing substances, a favorable peeling behavior, and good resistance to slag and molten steel.

Abstract: Method of lining a steel-making furnace which comprises lining the bottom area of the furnace with bricks to form a first lining, lining at least a portion of the wall area of the furnace with bricks and/or a water cooling box to form a second lining, lining the first lining and a lower portion of the second lining with a first refractory material, applying a second refractory material to an upper portion of the second lining above the lower portion before heating the furnace, and then heating the second refractory material to cause hardening thereof. The second refractory material comprises magnesium oxide, green chromium oxide, clay, a phosphate, a bisulfate and water. The use of this composition for the second refractory material results in a substantial increase in the durability of the furnace lining.