Symposium CO
Refractory Materials Challenges to Meet Current and Future Industry Needs
Chairs:
Patrick GEHRE, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Yawei LI, Wuhan University of Science & Technology, China
Victor Carlos PANDOLFELLI, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil (Convener)
Members:
Christos G. ANEZIRIS, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Eric BLOND, University of Orleans, France
Andreas BUHR, Almatis, Germany
Emmanuel DE BILBAO, University of Orleans, France
Andrie M. GARBERS-CRAIG, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Dana GOSKI, Allied Minerals Products, USA
Dietmar GRUBER, Montanuniversitat Leoben, Austria
Erwan GUEGUEN, RHI-Magnesita, Austria
Marc HUGER, University of Limoges, France
In-Ho JUNG, Seoul National University, South Korea
Annelies MALFLIET, KU Leuven, Belgium
Carlos PAGLIOSA NETO, RHI-Magnesita, Brazil
Christopher PARR, Imerys, France
Hong PENG, Elkem Materials, Norway
Peter QUIRMBACH, University of Koblenz, Germany
Sido SINNEMA, Tata Steel, Netherlands
Christoph WOHRMEYER, Imerys, Germany
Patrick GEHRE, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Yawei LI, Wuhan University of Science & Technology, China
Victor Carlos PANDOLFELLI, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil (Convener)
Members:
Christos G. ANEZIRIS, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany
Eric BLOND, University of Orleans, France
Andreas BUHR, Almatis, Germany
Emmanuel DE BILBAO, University of Orleans, France
Andrie M. GARBERS-CRAIG, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Dana GOSKI, Allied Minerals Products, USA
Dietmar GRUBER, Montanuniversitat Leoben, Austria
Erwan GUEGUEN, RHI-Magnesita, Austria
Marc HUGER, University of Limoges, France
In-Ho JUNG, Seoul National University, South Korea
Annelies MALFLIET, KU Leuven, Belgium
Carlos PAGLIOSA NETO, RHI-Magnesita, Brazil
Christopher PARR, Imerys, France
Hong PENG, Elkem Materials, Norway
Peter QUIRMBACH, University of Koblenz, Germany
Sido SINNEMA, Tata Steel, Netherlands
Christoph WOHRMEYER, Imerys, Germany
The list of Invited Speakers will be available at the end of July 2025
This symposium will continue to focus on the development of “state-of-the-art” refractory materials, emphasizing advancements driven by evolving industrial processes or the introduction of novel technologies. Key drivers of change—such as innovations in raw material, environmental concerns, energy efficiency and the need for improved material performance—will be addressed. Topics will include sustainable refractory raw materials and product development; installation practices and evaluation of finished material properties; analysis of refractory wear and failure; thermal management; computational modeling; and strategies for addressing the education needs in the area. Contributed papers will highlight achievements and challenges from the perspectives of refractory producers, end-users and academia. Focus will be placed on both shaped and unshaped (monolithic) refractories, utilizing natural and/or synthetic raw materials.
Session Topics
CO-1 Raw materials
- Natural raw material and their characterization and performance – including changing industry needs, reductions in energy consumption to produce raw materials and raw material sustainability
- Novel/improved refractory raw materials and additives (natural and synthetic) to meet changes in refractory performance needs (wear, corrosion, or thermal management/insulation)
- Raw material phase relationships and reactions occurring during product installation, sintering, or use that impacts microstructure development and/or product performance
- Application of spent refractory reuse/recycling and their characterization after second life
- Novel binder systems
CO-2 Product testing and quality control
- Testing and improving physical properties; such as thermal shock, spalling, hot strength, toughness, creep, thermal conductivity and MOE
- Quality control and analytical tools used to improve refractory product quality, consistency, performance, etc
- Evaluating and controlling monolithic materials property changes that occur during storage, mixing, installation, drying and firing; including those caused by composition and additives
- Monitoring process variables and/or material properties related to refractory failure during service
- Microstructure analysis or phase changes as it relates to material performance (using SEM, TEM, cathodoluminescence, high-temperature confocal laser microscopy, optical microscopy, or other analytical tools)
- Advances in refractory manufacture, installation and/or system repair/maintenance
CO-3 Specialized refractory applications
- Iron and steel
- Non-ferrous metals
- Cement
- Glass and ceramics industry
- Petrochemical, gasification and waste incineration
- Industry wide environmental and recycling issues
- Needs in energy management
CO-4 Modelling and simulation of the process and materials
- Thermodynamic modelling and its use to understand/control refractory properties/ performance through predictions of material interactions
- Thermal and stress management via modelling (thermal profile, materials diffusion, crack propagation, sintering, grain boundary motion, phase transformation, etc.)
- Data analysis and AI applications
CO-5 Refractory failure analysis
- Analysis of refractory corrosion/wear caused by slag, molten glass, metal, hot gases, particulates, or combinations of them targeting improved refractory performance
- Determining the causes of refractory failure and the use of that information to carry out the required system changes
CO-6 Refractory materials for novel or advanced applications
- Fabrication and performance of ceramic materials made by additive manufacture
- The use of refractory grain as a stable structure for catalyst process or as oxygen carriers in chemical looping combustion
- Other novel applications requiring high-temperature severe service materials or protective barriers (including battery materials, high-temperature microwave processes, or ultra-high temperature applications)
CO-7 Refractory education needs (producers, end-users and academia)
- Refractory education needs brought about by the changing workforce, industrial environments, or changing process environments – what training/education is needed to meet those needs?
- How can the new generation be attracted to the refractory area?
CO-8 Refractory materials and manufacturing process changes related to global decarbonization
- Iron and steelmaking practices shifting from the blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace process route to a direct reduced iron/electric arc furnace route.
- Other carbo-thermal/non-carbo-thermal processes being studied for potential CO2 reductions, along with their likely impact on containment material needs. This would include processes for producing Al, Cu, glass, and/or cement.
- Industrial chemical processes, such as those used to synthesize gas for chemical and power generation for lower temperature processing or for using non-fossil energy carbon sources.
- Strategies for the electrification of the manufacturing process of ceramics using electrodes, microwaves, induction heating or plasma burners