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Performance Materials for Refractories

RBH has a strong presence in the European refractories market, supplying a comprehensive range of high temperature minerals and raw materials for refractory formulations and systems. Our portfolio supports applications including shaped and unshaped refractories, castables, gunning mixes, mortars, kiln linings, furnace linings, ladles, and thermal processing equipment across a wide range of heavy industrial sectors.

Covering key material components used in refractory manufacture, RBH products are selected to deliver high temperature stability, mechanical strength, resistance to thermal shock, and long service life. Through a market-driven and collaborative approach, we work closely with customers and principal partners to support consistent quality, reliable production, and performance optimisation in demanding high temperature environments.

Specialist Materials for Refractory Applications

RBH supplies a comprehensive range of high temperature minerals and raw materials for refractory formulations, supporting the production and installation of shaped and monolithic refractory systems. Our materials are designed to improve processing efficiency, enhance thermal and mechanical performance, and deliver consistent, application specific properties across a wide range of high temperature industrial environments.

Rheology Modifiers

These rheology modifiers are carefully selected clay and mineral additives that control flow behaviour, workability, and processing stability in refractory formulations. They improve suspension properties, application consistency, and structural performance during forming, drying, and firing, supporting reliable production and enhanced performance in refractory systems.

Attapulgite
• High-purity attapulgite clay engineered for refractory applications
• Provides strong thixotropic rheology, improving workability

Alumina-Based Refractory Materials

These alumina-based materials are used to enhance the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance of refractory systems. Their high purity and dense microstructure support performance in extreme-temperature environments, improving durability, load-bearing capability, and resistance to chemical attack in demanding industrial applications.

Calcined Alumina
• High-purity alumina with excellent thermal stability and durability in formulations
• Commonly used in refractory bricks and castables

Tabular Alumina
• High-density, low-porosity alumina aggregate produced through high-temperature sintering
• Excellent thermal shock resistance and corrosion resistance
• Used in refractory castables and kiln furniture where high strength and stability are required

Calcined Alumina
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Tabular Alumina
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Magnesia-Based Refractory Materials

These magnesia-based materials provide excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, chemical attack, and mechanical stress in demanding refractory environments. Their high magnesium oxide content supports durability, thermal stability, and structural integrity in furnace linings, metallurgical vessels, and high-temperature industrial processes.

Dead Burned Magnesia
• High-purity magnesium oxide produced through high-temperature calcination
• Excellent heat resistance, chemical stability, and durability in refractory systems
• Used in basic refractory bricks, furnace linings, and foundry applications

Brown & White Fused Magnesia
• High-performance fused magnesia materials designed for demanding refractory and ceramic applications

Brown Fused Magnesia
• High toughness and corrosion resistance
• Strong thermal shock performance for refractory castables and ceramic applications

White Fused Magnesia
• Higher purity magnesia with enhanced thermal resistance
• Excellent insulation properties for precision refractory and specialised high-temperature applications

Dead Burned Magnesia
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Brown & White Fused Magnesia
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Zirconium Derivatives

Zircon-based materials provide exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, chemical attack, and thermal shock in demanding industrial environments. Their high melting points and excellent stability make them valuable components in refractory systems, foundry processes, and advanced ceramic applications where precision and durability are required.

Zircon Sand
• Naturally occurring zircon mineral with a very high melting point and excellent thermal stability
• Widely used in foundry moulds and casting applications where dimensional stability is critical

Zircon Flour
• Finely milled zircon powder used in high-performance refractory and foundry coatings
• Provides enhanced resistance to corrosion, metal penetration, and high temperatures in precision mould systems

Zirconia
• Advanced zirconium oxide material with an ultra-high melting point and exceptional thermal shock resistance
• Used in specialty ceramics, refractory linings, and thermal barrier coatings requiring superior chemical and thermal stability

Lightweight Aggregates & Functional Fillers

Lightweight aggregates and functional fillers are used to enhance insulation performance, density control and processing behaviour in industrial and refractory formulations. They contribute to improved thermal efficiency, structural performance and stability across a range of high-temperature and specialist material applications.

Perlite
• Expanded volcanic glass with a lightweight structure and excellent thermal insulation properties
• Provides effective heat and sound insulation in refractory castables and insulation boards

Barytes (Supreme, Microsupreme and Sintabar)
• High-purity barium sulphate available in natural and precipitated forms
• Provides exceptional density, chemical stability and performance in specialised industrial formulations

Hydrous Kaolin
• Natural clay with low shrinkage and good insulating properties
• Used in refractory coatings and ceramic bodies

Calcined Kaolin
• Thermally processed for improved hardness, brightness, and chemical inertness
• Suitable for high-refractoriness and strength-demanding applications

Magsil® Talc
• Lubricating mineral additive with excellent platy structure
• Enhances machinability, thermal shock resistance, and structural integrity

Silicon Carbide

Silicon Carbide materials are used to enhance thermal conductivity, heat transfer and durability in refractory and metallurgical systems. Their exceptional hardness, thermal stability and resistance to chemical attack make them valuable components in high-temperature industrial processes.

Silicon Carbide
• Improves heat transfer and thermal efficiency in refractory systems
• Used in metallurgical processes for deoxidation and desulphurisation

Silicon Carbide
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Graphite

Graphite materials provide excellent thermal stability, lubrication and resistance to thermal shock in refractory and high-temperature applications. Their unique carbon structure supports durability and performance in environments exposed to extreme heat and chemically aggressive conditions.

Graphite
• Natural lubricating properties that support processing and material performance
• Enhances thermal shock resistance and slag resistance in refractory environments
• Used in carbon-bonded refractories, crucibles and high-temperature applications

Graphite
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Frequently asked questions about Metal Working

Common questions and guidance on raw materials, fluid performance, and processing considerations in metal working environments.

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Metal working fluids typically incorporate functional additives such as lubricity enhancers, extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and cooling enhancers to meet performance requirements in machining, forming, and cutting operations.

Specialist additives help reduce friction, minimise mechanical wear, and support effective boundary lubrication, which collectively extends the life of cutting tools, dies, and forming equipment.

Effective cooling enhances heat dissipation at the cutting or contact interface, reducing thermal stress, improving dimensional control, and protecting both tools and workpieces during high-speed or continuous operations.

Yes. RBH works closely with customers on material selection and formulation support for metal working fluids, including providing technical insight and access to blending or repacking services where required.

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