Steel fiber reinforced refractory castables
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are very resistant to the tendency of the material to fall apart on thermal cycling. Stainless steel fibers greatly improve the flexural strength of the castable. And this added increase in ductility contributes significantly to the thermal shock and spalling resistance of the material. The fibers generally used are in size varying between 0.1 to 0.4 mm2 in cross-section & 20-40 mm in length. For monolithic SS is used either high chrome or high chrome nickel steels available in the market with different grades. One reason commonly reported that the thermal shock resistance of castables is greatly increased through addition of SS fibers because these fibers act as crack arresters, preventing cracks propagating. This is also possible that the microcracks caused by a mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients of matrix and fibers dissipate energy from larger cracks propagating as a result of thermal stress. However percentage of these fibers added becomes important because of two reasons as it has a direct impact on the fluidity of the castable, then it may also cause mixing difficult due to fiber-balling when added beyond 3% by volume. Another critical factor will be the maximum application temperature for the castable that those fibers present in the castable can resist oxidation (since these fibers can not perform beyond their melting temperature).
Hi Frank,
The mix is 1 pound stainless steel fiber to 50 pounds castable refractory. The fibers are supplied in a one pound bag, so it’s basically one bag to one bag.
Goto well to know more.
Here is the full guide on mixing. You’ll find the ratio listed there.
[As I read your question it sounds like these may be contradictory instructions, so there may be further guidance coming along!]
When you look at that FAQ, the photo shows the refractory being held by a bare hand. Brickwood has said in the past that the photo is for illustrative purposes, and refractory should be handled with gloved hands only (whether or not the stainless steel fibers have been added—they would only make it worse!).
Hope this helps!
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