Abstract: A formulation for a casting compound is provided that includes a base slip with a proportion between 18% and 36% by weight, quartz glass particles with a proportion between 40% and 70% by weight, and particles of an admixture having at least one multicomponent glass with a proportion between 10% and 40% by weight. The base slip contains water as dispersion medium with a content between 30% and 50% by weight and ultrafine Si0 2 particles colloidally distributed therein with a content between 50% and 70% by weight, and wherein the total water content in the formulation is 10% to 20% by weight. A composite material is also provided that has a largely crystalline Si0 2 matrix and particles of a multicomponent glass embedded therein.

Abstract: A formulation usable to produce plates and shaped bodies has a base slip, quartz glass particles and multicomponent glass particles that are crystallizable or at least partly crystallized. The base slip contains water as dispersion medium with a content between 30% and 50% by weight and ultrafine SiO2 particles distributed, preferably colloidally therein, with a proportion between 50% and 70% by weight. The proportion of quartz glass particles in the formulation is in the range from 40% to 70% by weight and the proportion the multicomponent glass particles in the formulation is in the range from 5% to 37% by weight. The formulation can be used in a composite material. Firing aids can be made from the composite material.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for the conductive heating of melts, in particular for the rapid melting-down, refining and/or conditioning of melts, is provided. The heating apparatus includes at least one electrode, as well as a first cooling system with a cooling power, which can be set and/or controlled variably.