Zirconium Silicate (Powder)
Zirconium Silicate Powder is the finely milled, high-purity form of Zircon Sand. It is a dense, chemically inert material used primarily as a filler, opacifier, and matrix component in the refractory, foundry, and ceramic industries.
The ultra-fine powder size, often referred to as Zircon Flour, is crucial because it allows the material to be suspended in slurries (e.g., in investment casting) or to fill the minute voids between coarser aggregates in a refractory castable, thus achieving maximum density and minimal porosity. It is valued for its low thermal expansion, high refractoriness, and exceptional resistance to wetting by molten metals and glass.
Main Function and Characteristics
Zirconium Silicate Powder is key to forming the high-purity, dense matrix required for ultimate chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY REFRACTORY FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (ZrSiO₄) | >99% | Ensures high refractoriness and chemical stability. |
| Particle Size | ULTRA-FINE (Flour/Powder) | Allows for matrix filling and slurry creation. |
| Density (Specific Gravity) | 4.2 to 4.7 | Contributes to the overall density of the final product. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Matrix Focus: High-Density Inert Filler – Fine-grained ZrSiO₄
- Primary Application Focus: Investment Casting Slurries, Refractory Mortars, and Glass Opacifiers.
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Molten Metal/Glass Resistance | EXCELLENT | Chemically inert and low wettability prevents adherence and corrosion. |
| Dimensional Stability | SUPERIOR | Very low coefficient of thermal expansion minimizes cracking/spalling. |
| Opacification | HIGH | Used in ceramic glazes to impart opacity and whiteness. |
- Role in Refractory and Foundry Matrices
- Investment Casting (Lost-Wax): Zircon Flour is the industry standard for the primary coat slurry due to its exceptionally fine finish, low thermal expansion (preventing shell cracking), and resistance to metal penetration (preventing a defect called “metal burn-in”).
- Refractory Mortars and Castables: The powder is used in the matrix (the fine portion of the mix) of Zircon and Zirconia refractories. It fills the micro-voids, increasing the overall packing density of the refractory. High density is the most effective defense against the corrosive penetration of molten slag and metal.
- Sealing and Bonding: Due to its fine size, Zirconium Silicate Powder is used in high-purity ramming mixes and seals for furnace joints and expansion gaps, ensuring a high-refractory, tight, and stable barrier.
- Chemical and Thermal Stability
- Zirconium Silicate remains chemically stable as ZrSiO₄ up to approximately 1680°C.
- Glass Industry: The powder is used as an opacifier in glazes and glass, where its high refractive index provides a desirable white, opaque finish. In the furnace itself, Zircon refractories are highly favored for their stability against aggressive glass melts.
- Decomposition Control: While ZrSiO₄ decomposes at higher temperatures, the fine powder form often aids in creating a dense final product that resists chemical attack at temperatures below this decomposition point, where most refractory wear occurs.
✨ 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. |
