Refractory

Nouryon is a leading manufacturer of colloidal silica and offers a broad range of Levasil^® colloidal silica for refractory materials. Our product ranges Levasil® FO and Levasil® FX are perfect binders for both fiber-based (RFB) and non-fiber-based applications.

Levasil^® FX401 - a colloidal silica dispersion with unique properties

Colloidal silica is an excellent binder for refractory materials with decades of proven performance enabling faster and safer installations. However, using standard colloidal silica as a binder in magnesia containing systems has so far not been possible due to a very rapid setting.

Our new development, Levasil^® FX401, solves the issue with rapid setting as well as two other main challenges for magnesia-based refractory, hydration and durability. Thus this new binder technology enables magnesia refractory materials with unique performance and lower carbon footprint.

Unique microstructure and increased durability

The final structure attained after sintering (1500ºC) of the spinel formulations presents high flexural strength, and a microstructure comprised of large and regularly-shaped spinel crystals surrounded by a thin amorphous silica layer.

SEM/EXD images of a spinel forming system containing Levasil^® FX401 illustrate the unique crystallization behavior and excellent binder performance achieved (see images to the right). The high-density structure will contribute to a more durable material.