Abstract: An improved ramming composition for use in the iron and steel industry includes between 65-80% by weight mullite, 5-15% by weight silicon carbide, 2-5% by weight graphite, 2-6% by weight ball clay, and 5-10% by weight of a binder formed from a dispersion of 15-70% by weight silica in water. The silica binder replaces binders composed of petroleum pitch, clay, or other organic materials. The silica binder causes the ramming composition to have a longer use life, increased strength, and reduced tendency to crack, oxidize or smoke.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing porous refractories with fillers, such as carbon particles, is provided. First, filler particles are mixed with a liquid resin to produce a liquid mixture. The mixture is allowed to seep into the pores of the refractory, preferably by immersing the refractory in said mixture in an evacuated tank. The refractory can be removed from the mixture and excess mixture can be allowed to drip from the refractory. The refractory is then cured, preferably by heating. The refractory is strengthened by the process to better withstand heat fluctuations encountered, for example, in the steel refining process.

Abstract: A non-aqueous taphole mix comprising a binder, a non-aqueous solvent for the binder and a refractory filler, the binder comprising a mixture of polymers formed by the homopolymerization of resorcinol and a hardening agent. Also disclosed are carbon-containing specialties comprising a binder, a solvent for the binder, and a refractory filler, the binder comprising a mixture of polymers formed by the homopolymerization of resorcinol and a hardening agent.

Abstract: Tris (hydroxymethyl) nitromethane is used as the formaldehyde-source, cross-linking agent for a phenol-formaldehyde or resorcinol polymer resin binder system for a plugging refractory to enhance the plugging refractory's ability to withstand residence periods in a mud gun without premature solidification.