New refractory concretes and binding systems: Basic trends of development, production, and use of refractories in the XXIst century. Part I. Trends of development, binding systems

General trends in the development, production, and service of refractories are considered. The share of refractories used in ferrous metallurgy amounts to 60 - 70%, which means that the predominant trend is determined by the requirements imposed on the refractories used in the steel industry. The proportion of unshaped refractories in the total production will inevitably grow. The basic problem in this field is the improvement of their matrix (disperse) phase, i.e., the binding system. The main types of refractory binders, of which highly concentrated ceramic binding suspensions (HCBS) are the most interesting, are considered. In contrast to natural ceramic binders (clays) HCBS are artificial systems that can be obtained on the basis of many refractory materials. The priority aspect in the creation of new refractory concretes (castables) and binders is described. The first artificial ceramic binders and cement-free refractory concretes based on them were created and installed by the author at the end of the 60s, and in the 70s he suggested many types of ceramic castables, including superlow-cement ones.