Abstract: A mix for forming a carbon-bonded refractory comprising from about 8 to 30 wt. % of a high purity carbon, about 0.1 to 1 wt. % of aluminum metal, magnesium metal, or a mixture thereof, and the balance a high purity magnesite, and for each 100 wt. % of said magnesite, carbon, and metal, a carbonaceous bonding agent in an amount sufficient to bond the mix; said carbon containing at least about 98% carbon and said magnesite containing at least about 98% MgO, and containing less than about 0.03% boron oxide, less than about 0.3% silica, and having a CaO/SiO.sub.2 weight ratio above about 2, and the resultant carbon-bonded refractory shapes and liners for metal processing equipment, especially BOF, made from such shapes and the method of increasing the life of liners for such equipment.

Abstract: A mix for forming a carbon-bonded refractory shape comprising from about 70 to 92 wt. % of a high purity magnesite and about 8 to 30 wt. % of a high purity graphite, and for each 100 wt. % of said magnesite and graphite, from about 1.5 to 6 wt. % of a carbon-containing bonding agent; said graphite containing at least about 98% carbon and having at least about 75% by weight -65 mesh or finer particles and said magnesite containing at least about 98% MgO, and containing less than about 0.03% boron oxide, less than about 0.3% silica, and having a CaO/SiO.sub.2 weight ratio above about 2, and the resultant carbon-bonded refractory shape and liner for basic oxygen furnaces made from such shapes and the method of increasing the life of liners for basic oxygen furnaces.

Abstract: A refractory brick includes at least one insulation insert located on the cold face of the brick. Heat reflective means is provided on the surface of the insert disposed parallel to the cold face of the brick to reduce the amount of heat radiated through the insert.

Abstract: A heat-insulating board comprising a molded refractory material having substantially uniformly distributed therethrough flexible thermoset polymer fibers resistant to decomposition at a temperature up to about 400.degree. F. in an amount sufficient to increase the fracture energy of said board, and compositions for making such board.