Modern problems in refractories production in Russia

The current state of refractories manufacture in the Russian Federation is discussed. The main market participants, their production facilities and raw material sources are outlined. New trends in the industry are briefly described. Main attention is paid to basic and applied research aimed at improving the quality of refractory materials conducted at the St. Petersburg State Institute of Technology (periclase-carbon refractories having bending strength at 1400 °C of more than 20 MPa; calcium oxide clinker, which does not undergo hydration during unprotected storage in briquettes for at least 1 year; elastic refractories resisting impact of the high-temperature metal and slag melts up to 1800 °C). It was concluded that the current results of basic and applied research, including those obtained in Russia, can form a sufficient basis for successful development of the refractories industry.