Abstract: A periclase refractory composition comprising magnesium oxide granules, carbon granules and a carbonaceous binding material capable of undergoing pyrolytic decomposition. Added to the periclase refractory composition is at least one oxyhydrocarbon compound selected from the group consisting of (a) acyclic carboxylic acids, (b) oxidized polyolefin waxes, (c) poly(alkylene oxides) and ethers thereof, (d) olefin copolymers, (e) polyvinyl alcohol, and (f) furan polymers.

Abstract: A pitch bonded refractory is disclosed. The refractory consists essentially of size graded aggregate particles, pitch and a cure accelerator for the pitch. The cure accelerator can be magnesium hydroxide, magnesium nitrate, calcium nitrate, zinc nitrate, ferrous nitrate, ferrous sulfide, magnesium carbonate, ferric oxide, ferrosoferric oxide or ferrous sulfate, and can constitute from 1/2 to 2 percent of the refractory, based upon the weight of the aggregate. The pitch can be either coal tar pitch or petroleum pitch, and can constitute from about 3 to 12 percent, based upon the weight of the aggregate.