Refractory Mortars & Cement
Refractory Cement & Fire Brick Mortars for High-Temperature Applications
High-performance refractory mortars are essential for bonding and jointing fire bricks in high-temperature environments such as furnaces, kilns, incinerators, boilers, and other thermal processing equipment. Refractory cements and mortars fall into two main categories: air-setting and heat-setting types, each suited to specific installation and service conditions.
Air-setting mortars are supplied in a pre-mixed wet form and harden upon exposure to air, making them ideal for quick, clean installations. In contrast, heat-setting mortars are supplied in dry powder form and must be mixed with water before application. These mortars require initial firing to develop their final strength and are typically used in high-temperature applications where prolonged exposure and thermal cycling are expected.
Vitcas manufactures a comprehensive range of air-setting refractory mortars, formulated to meet the varying demands of different fire brick types, including high alumina bricks, dense fireclay bricks, and lightweight insulation bricks. The Vitcas mortars are alumina-based, engineered for high strength and thermal resistance, while the Silcas mortars are silica-based, tailored for use with silica-containing insulation bricks.
These mortars are designed for thin joint applications, typically 3-5 mm, ensuring strong and consistent bonding with minimal shrinkage. Matching the strength of the mortar with that of the brick is critical:
- If the mortar joint is weaker than the bricks, cracking is likely to occur at the joints.
- If the mortar is stronger than the bricks, cracks may propagate through the bricks themselves.
Applications
Refractory cement and mortars are used in a wide range of high-temperature applications, including:
- Furnace and kiln construction
- Boiler and incinerator linings
- Chimneys and flue installations
- Ceramic, glass, steel, and petrochemical industries
Key Features
- Available in air-setting and heat-setting types
- Suitable for alumina and silica fire bricks
- Optimised for thin joint applications (3-5 mm)
- High bonding strength and thermal resistance
- Compatible with dense and insulating refractory materials