Abstract: Dense zircon refractories having improved thermal shock damage resistance for use in glass melt or high alkali vapor contact applications comprise, and, consist essentially of, about fifty percent by weight or more ZrSiO.sub.4, at least about one percent zirconia in particle form distributed substantially uniformly throughout the composition of the refractory, and optionally, a zircon grain growth enhancing composition, preferably TiO.sub.2.

Abstract: Refractory compositions comprising at least eighty percent or more by weight Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 densified by the addition of at least one-half percent and preferably about four percent TiO.sub.2 have about one-quarter percent to about fifteen percent by weight relatively finely divided monoclinic zirconia particles substantially uniformly dispersed therethrough to induce microcracks in the densified chromic oxide and improve thermal shock damage resistance of the refractory. Zirconia additions of up to at least five percent by weight exhibit the high glass corrosion resistance of similar densified chromic oxide compositions without zirconia.

Abstract: Fused AZS grain refractory compositions suitable for making ceramically or chemically bonded refractory articles, and the articles so made, are disclosed. The refractory compositions consist essentially of (a) 40-85 wt. % fused AZS grain, and (b) 15-50 wt. % of at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of (i) 10-20 wt. % reactive alumina and (ii) 0-45 wt. % chromic oxide.

Abstract: A refractory composition is disclosed which possesses low porosity, high density, exceptional strength and high abrasion resistance and is useful for lining fluid catalytic converter units, e.g., catalyst transfer lines, riser lines, J-bends, cyclones and all other areas where hot abrasion resistance and low thermal conductivity are desired. The composition consists essentially of by weight: (a) 44 to 89% of an abrasion-resistant refractory grain; (b) 10 to 50% of a hydraulically setting cement; (c) 1 to 6% of a filler consisting of very fine, substantially spherical particles of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, clay minerals, carbon and fume SiO.sub.2 ; and (d) 0.01 to 1%, based on the total weight of the constituents (a), (b) and (c), of additives selected from deflocculants and wetting agents.

Abstract: High purity alumina filters suitable for relatively high temperature molten metal filtering applications are prepared by providing a composition comprising fine grain reactive alumina and a burn out material in amounts sufficient to increase the porosity of the resulting filter structure, the composition being free of grain growth inhibitors in amounts sufficient to inhibit growth of the alumina grains during firing; forming the composition into a honeycomb structure by suitable means; and firing the structure beyond the temperature providing maximum densification of the reactive alumina employed whereby grain growth is fostered. The honeycomb structure is fired sufficiently long for significant growth of the particles (from sizes less than about 5 microns to sizes between 10 and 20 microns) and for the creation of wide grain boundaries between the resulting grains which further act as crack arrestors. A preferred composition includes 19 parts by weight reactive alumina, at least 99.5% pure Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A novel process for fabricating novel high zirconia content refractory articles directly from novel sinterable compositions including as the major ingredient thereof baddeleyite ore concentrates thereby reducing costs. Appropriate additives, particularly zircon, further provide enhanced resistance to thermal shock damage. Plasticizers, binders and other processing aids are identified for press forming exemplary compositions into continuous casting nozzles, shrouds and other ceramic products typically used in the processing of molten steel, specialty metals and glass.

Abstract: Fired refractory articles are made of a shaped refractory composition predominantly comprising grain of fusion-cast AZS refractory having: (i) a three-phase microstructure of interlocking crystals of corundum (alpha alumina) phase and baddeleyite (zirconia) phase with intercrystalline glassy phase therebetween, the glassy phase being about 15-30 vol.% of the AZS refractory, and (ii) an oxide analysis consisting of 35-60 wt.% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 plus Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 with Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 .ltoreq. 60 wt.% of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 plus Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, 25-50 wt.% ZrO.sub.2, 10-18 wt.% SiO.sub.2, 0.8-1.8 wt.% Na.sub.2 O plus K.sub.2 O, and up to 0.7 wt.% other ingredients (e.g. impurities). Refractory composition consists of: (A) 25-60 wt.% fusion-cast AZS refractory coarse grain being at least 89 wt.% -6+20 Tyler mesh, (B) 0-38 wt.% fusion-cast AZS refractory medium grain being at least 73 wt.% -10+35 Tyler mesh, and (C) 30-50 wt.% at least one component selected from the group consisting of: (1) 0-50 wt.