15 - Refractory and other specialist industrial applications of alumina

Abstract

Chapters 12–14chapter 12chapter 13chapter 14 having addressed the major industrial applications of alumina ceramics (wear resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical industry), this chapter will address all other industrial uses for alumina ceramics, of which the most industrially significant is the refractories industry. Refractories are used for heat-containment, primarily in furnace linings, and also as crucibles and kiln furniture. The global refractories industry is one of the largest materials-based industries in the world. It is currently generating revenues of around $50 Billion a year, of which China has 50% global market share. Therefore, refractories are one of the quintessential traditional ceramic products, along with traditional clay-based ceramics from bricks and tiles, to porcelain, and fine China. By their broadest definition, refractories are somewhat outside of the scope of this book. However refractories is such a large industry, and there are so many important points of intersection between alumina ceramics and the refractories industry, that this chapter will dedicate a significant proportion to the refractories topic to highlight these important areas of intersection. While the largest focus in this chapter is on alumina in the refractories industry, important niche applications for alumina will also be discussed including machining/cutting tools, architectural uses, aerospace uses, and oxygen sensors. This chapter contains two important industrial case studies: alumina architectural ceramics with a focus on Taylor Ceramic Engineering (alumina specialty manufacturer for over 40 years); alumina/zirconia oxygen sensors with a focus on Ceramic Oxide Fabricators (AUST) (pioneer of oxygen sensors for over 40 years). Minor niche applications for alumina will also be briefly discussed including gas laser tubes, laboratory instrument tubes, kiln furniture, agricultural-plough tine tips, alumina gauges, jewel bearings in watches, and mortar and pestles.