Magnesia‑Carbon Brick (Standard C)
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
Standard Carbon MgO-C bricks are composed of high-purity MAGNESIA (MgO) grains, a mid-range amount of CARBON (C) (usually fine graphite, 10% to 20%), and a synthetic Resin or Pitch binder, often with metallic or ceramic anti-oxidation additives.
| CATEGORY | CARBON (C) CONTENT | KEY FEATURE | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| STANDARD MgO-C | 10% to 20% | Optimum balance of properties | Maximum slag resistance and thermal shock |
| LOW CARBON MgO-C | 5% to 10% | Higher hot strength | Better resistance to air/fumes (oxidation) |
| HIGH CARBON MgO-C | 20% to 30% | Maximum non-wetting effect | Extreme slag line protection (less common) |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Slag Resistance | EXCELLENT | CARBON provides a non-wetting barrier, preventing basic slag infiltration into the porous MgO structure. |
| Thermal Shock | VERY GOOD | Carbon’s low thermal expansion coefficient effectively dampens the high thermal expansion of the MgO phase. |
| Erosion Resistance | VERY GOOD | The dense MgO-C matrix resists chemical dissolution and physical scouring by the molten bath. |
| Hot Strength (TUL) | HIGH | Maintained by the MgO grains, but slightly lower than low-carbon grades due to the carbon char network. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Standard Carbon MgO-C bricks are the industry workhorse for primary steelmaking vessels, offering the best compromise between cost, slag resistance, and resistance to thermal cycling.
- Optimized Slag Line Protection: The mid-range carbon content is ideal for achieving maximum non-wetting performance, which drastically slows down the rate of chemical dissolution and mechanical wear caused by highly basic steel slags.
- Thermal Shock Tolerance: The carbon phase introduces porosity and flexibility into the rigid MgO matrix, allowing the brick to withstand the rapid, extreme temperature fluctuations common during steel production (e.g., charging, tapping, and lancing).
- Cost-Performance Balance: This grade provides sufficient chemical resistance for typical steelmaking campaigns without the added cost of high-purity, low-carbon, or highly specialized MgO raw materials.
- Controlled Oxidation: While susceptible to oxidation, this grade contains anti-oxidation additives (such as Al, Si, or B compounds) that react preferentially, forming protective ceramic films (SiC, Al2O3, B2O3) to shield the carbon from air and Fe2O3 oxidation.
Typical Industries and Applications
This brick is the standard choice for the critical working linings in metallurgy:
- Ferrous Industry (Steel): Working linings of Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOFs), Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) hot spots and bottom, and steel Ladle walls and slag lines.
- Non-Ferrous Industry: Refining and holding vessels subject to basic slag.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are used in zones that experience the most severe combined chemical and thermal stresses:
- EAF/BOF/LRF SLAG LINE: The primary area of use, where resistance to infiltration and dissolution is paramount.
- LADLE WALLS: Used to contain the molten steel and slag, requiring good thermal shock resistance during tapping and cooling.
- FURNACE BOTTOMS: Used in areas subject to mechanical impact and chemical stirring.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection is based on achieving the necessary balance:
- Carbon Content: 10% to 20% must be confirmed for this designation.
- MgO Purity: High purity MgO (> 95%) is still desirable for maximum refractoriness.
- Bulk Density (BD) and Apparent Porosity (AP): BD should be high and AP should be moderate (typically 4% to 10%) to balance non-wetting with mechanical strength.
- Anti-Oxidation Additive Type/Content: The type and amount of metallic additives are crucial for performance longevity.
Technical Guidance: Standard Carbon MgO-C bricks are the best general-purpose solution for basic slag environments. They must be protected from prolonged exposure to air at high temperatures (e.g., by minimizing holding times or using a protective coating) to prevent the carbon from oxidizing and destroying the bond.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
