ABSTRACT
A shaped refractory is a prefired one with a definite and specific shape and dimensions and having a homogeneous structure and properties, whereas an unshaped refractory is a mixture of graded refractory aggregates and fines homogeneously mixed with bond materials and property-enhancing additives, mixed in a predetermined fixed ratio. Placing and fixing of any refractory shapes essentially require mortars that belong to the unshaped refractory. Conventionally refractories are considered as industrial products primarily used for any high-temperature processing, especially for the basic industries like iron and steel, glass, cement, non-ferrous metallurgy and foundry, ceramic, and white-wares. Unshaped refractories widely differ from shaped refractories as they are not compacted during the shaping and so sintering is weak in these compositions. Binders are essential for the development of strength at the ambient and elevated temperatures and also to retain the shape at green conditions as no compaction is involved in the shaping process during installations of unshaped refractories.
