Why are magnesite and dolomite used to make refractory bricks?

Magnesite and dolomite are utilized to manufacture refractory bricks primarily because they are classified as basic refractories, which exhibit outstanding resistance to iron oxides and the basic slags encountered in industrial processes like steelmaking.1

These materials are valued for the following reasons:

• High Performance: Bricks produced from high-purity magnesia (derived from magnesite) are exceptionally resistant to wear and high temperatures, while also possessing high heat capacity and conductivity.2
• Industrial Utility: Due to their chemical stability, they are widely employed to line basic oxygen furnaces, electric furnaces, and copper converters.1
• Composition: Dolomite refractories are produced from dolomite ore, a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonates. When used in these applications, they are often impregnated with tar or pitch to prevent the rehydration of lime.1

These properties make them essential for maintaining the integrity of high-temperature industrial linings.12