Monoaluminum Phosphate (MAP) Solution
Monoaluminum Phosphate (MAP) Solution is a concentrated, aqueous chemical binder with the chemical formula Al(H₂PO₄)₃. It is synthesized by reacting high-purity Al₂O₃ (Alumina) or Al(OH)₃ (Aluminum Hydroxide) with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄).
MAP is the primary binder used in phosphate-bonded refractories (including bricks, mortars, and plastics). Unlike hydraulic cements, MAP does not set by reaction with water; rather, it develops a strong mechanical bond upon drying (chemical set) and subsequent heating (ceramic set), providing exceptional hot strength and resistance to thermal shock.
Main Function and Characteristics
MAP solution acts as a chemical binder that creates a rigid, high-strength matrix through heat-activated chemical reactions with the refractory aggregate.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY REFRACTORY FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (Al(H₂PO₄)₃) | HIGH | Essential for achieving maximum hot strength and stability. |
| Bonding Mechanism | CHEMICAL/THERMAL | Develops strength during initial dry-out and subsequent firing. |
| pH | ACIDIC | Requires compatibility with acidic or neutral aggregates (e.g., Alumina, Zirconia). |
CLASSIFICATION
- Binding Focus: Chemical Refractory Binder – Forms aluminum phosphate ceramic bonds
- Primary Application Focus: Phosphate-Bonded Plastics, Ramming Mixes, and Acidic/Neutral Mortars
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Strength | SUPERIOR | The ceramic phosphate bond is strong and resistant to creep at high temperatures. |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | EXCELLENT | High strength and minimal volume change during heating/cooling. |
| Slag Resistance | VERY GOOD | Chemically inert, especially against acidic slags. |
- The Two-Stage Bonding Mechanism
Phosphate bonding occurs in two distinct stages, both initiated by the removal of water and the addition of heat:
- Chemical Set (Drying/Curing): As the water evaporates (typically below 300°C), the MAP decomposes and reacts with the alumina and/or other metal oxides present in the refractory aggregate. This creates an initial, complex, hard bond of aluminum phosphates (AlPO₄ compounds). This gives the refractory its necessary handling strength.
- Ceramic Set (Firing/Service): At higher service temperatures (1000°C and above), the remaining phosphate compounds condense and polymerize into a highly stable, rigid, crystalline network of AlPO₄, providing the ultimate ceramic bond and the refractory’s high-temperature strength.
- Applications
MAP is primarily used with alumina (Al₂O₃) aggregates and other neutral/acidic materials (SiC, Zircon) and is the binder of choice for:
- Phosphate-Bonded Plastics and Ramming Mixes: Highly shapeable monolithic materials used for forming complex furnace sections, spout linings, and patching where the strong, non-hydraulic set is preferred.
- Corrosion-Resistant Mortars: Used to joint bricks in areas subject to thermal cycling and chemical attack, such as incinerators or petrochemical reformers.
- Repair Materials: The quick chemical set makes it ideal for rapid patching and repair work on hot or cold linings.
- Technical Guidance
- Compatibility: MAP is highly acidic, making it incompatible with basic aggregates like Dead-Burned Magnesia (DBM) or Lime (CaO), with which it reacts too violently or forms a weak, unstable bond.
- Handling: Due to its acidity, it must be handled carefully, and the mixing equipment should be corrosion-resistant (e.g., stainless steel or plastic).
✨ 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. |
