Abstract: A uniform distribution nozzle for a twin roll caster adapted to extend along and above a pair of casting rolls having an unitary body and with a top member arranged along the top side of the unitary body. The top member having a plurality of molten metal metering nozzles spaced apart along the length of the body for transferring molten metal from a tundish and/or transition piece into an interior cavity in the uniform distribution nozzle and below the top member. The molten metal is further transferred from the interior cavity of the uniform distribution nozzle into a casting pool at the casting rolls.

Abstract: A refractory material for steelmaking is comprised of 50 to 95% zirconia (ZrO2), 0 to 35% of silica (SiO2), 5 to 35% carbon (C), less than 5% alumina (Al2O3) and anti-oxidant such as silicon (Si) metal and a carbide. The anti-oxidant may be in amounts up to about 10% by weight. The refractory material has application in making delivery nozzles and transition pieces. Disclosed also is a method of continuous casting steel strip comprising the steps of assembling a pair of casting rolls having a nip between them; assembling a delivery system for delivering molten steel to form a casting pool comprised of at least some refractory material for contacting the molten steel comprised of 50 to 95% zirconia, 0 to 35% silica, 5 to 35% carbon, less than 5% alumina and anti-oxidant and carbides, and rotating the casting rolls to form thin steel strip delivered downwardly through the nip.