What is Refractory Cement?

High-temperature masonry comes in multiple forms, from thermodynamically stable firebricks to castable refractory cement that are formulated from thermally resistant clinker and specialized aggregate materials. Conventional cements are often used in the manufacturing of fireplaces and furnaces, but they do not exhibit the requisite thermodynamic stability for application within the heating chamber or for direct application to components that will experience significant thermal stress.

Solids routinely expand and contract when subjected to temperature fluctuations, particularly thermally conductive metals. Cements used to adhere structural metals together in refractory applications, or for the sealing of gaskets and joists, must retain their structural integrity in the presence of continuous thermodynamic stress. While regular cement may expand well in conjunction with other rigid equipment, it often fails upon contraction due to the deterioration of clinker or binding material.

Refractory cement uses binding materials with improved thermodynamic properties to reduce the risk of mechanical failure. Fused minerals like aluminum oxide, or alumina, are used to bind coarse aggregate materials and provide superior temperature resistant properties without reducing the formability of the material. This arrangement enables the fabrication of refractory cements with an outstanding combination of formability and thermal resistance.

THERMOSEAL® Refractory Cements

At Mid-Mountain Materials, we provide three distinct refractory cements for thermal insulation and refractory adhesion applications. These are optimized to withstand thermal expansion and contraction of fireboxes and smoke chambers, and to provide secure adhesion of gaskets and seals for gas fireplaces, industrial furnaces and ovens, and wood stoves. High capacity refractory cements can also provide sufficient resistance to erosive media, sustaining their mechanical integrity against direct flame impingement, corrosive smoke, and thermal spalling.

These products fall under the THERMOSEAL® family range, with temperature resistant properties of up to 1095°C (2000°F) and varied consistencies depending upon the application requirements. THERMOSEAL® 1000/1000SF is our leading high-temperature cement, with a continuous use limit of 538°C (1000°F), and a fibrous consistency.   This cement has been carefully formulated to withstand thermal expansion and contraction under fluctuating heat conditions.  THERMOSEAL^® 1000SF CEMENT is excellent for use when placing gaskets and seals in fireplaces, furnaces, and wood and coals stoves.

There are significant cost benefits associated with choosing high-temperature refractory cement, with a significantly reduced risk of damage relating to thermal contraction. This can radically improve the service lives of components and reduce associated maintenance costs.

At Mid-Mountain, we have developed a substantial range of high-temperature moldable materials for industrial and domestic applications. Our thermal sealants have been used to protect standard fireplaces and industrial furnaces alike, with distinct products optimized for a range of temperature bracket requirements.

Our THERMOSEAL® Refractory Cements are available for temperature requirements from 538°C to 1095°C.   If you would like any more information about our range of refractory cements, please do not hesitate to contact us.