Refractories and Bricks Applications
BRICKS.
Both powdered and granular sodium bentonites are used in the production of common and face brick. As a bonding agent, bentonite assists in the elimination of “bats” or chipped brick when used in shale brick. Volclay bentonite also adds plasticity, thus reducing the moisture in the formulation. The increased plasticity results in longer die
REFRACTORIES...as a lining
Linings are used in furnaces to prevent molten metals from destroying them. In general, linings consist of ganisters, silica stone, quartz pebbles, or refractory grog. Most of the linings consist of graded sizes of ganisters in which the voids between large grains are filled with progressively smaller grains creating a firm, yet brittle body. Increasing the plasticity of linings enhances durability and performance. This can be accomplished by adding sodium bentonites, and, for greater performance - adding hectorites.


Bentonites and hectorites are used as a binder in
One pound of Volclay bentonite added to each sack of cement increases the plasticity and improves the handling of the mixture, without reducing the set strength. As the amount of Volclay per sack is increased - up to 20% -- more water is required for the cement mixture, making a “fat” mixture for filling large voids. Acoustical plaster is applied over ceilings or walls to absorb sound. The base of acoustical plaster is either vermiculite, perlite, or synthetic fibers. A typical formula would consist of 70% vermiculite or perlite, 10% synthetic shorts and 20% Volclay bentonite. When this is mixed with water to create a plastic mass, when applied over a ceiling, the Volclay causes it to adhere. As it dries it shrinks, and the shrinkage causes cracks in the product which entrap sound.
INSULATION
- BLOCK: Rock wool is suspended in water. The following are added: Volclay sodium bentonite (premixed with fresh water), synthetic fiber, and sometimes a little starch. The entire product is mixed until uniform. Then salts of aluminum or lime are added to coagulate the bentonite. The entire batch is filtered. This damp mass is then sent into a drying room. After drying the block is sawed to size, packaged and shipped. The block is used around furnaces or boilers and
high temperature insulation. - CEMENT: Rock wool mixed with industrial fiber and sodium bentonite or calcium hectorite, together with a little soap or wetting agent, can be used as a finishing coat over furnaces or over blocks. As the cement dries, the air pockets between the fibers provide for the insulation effect.
Products
Brick EZ also adds plasticity, thus reducing the moisture in the formulation. The increased plasticity results in longer die
A general purpose filler and binder for compressed and pelletized products. Used to increase green compression strength and impart flowability.
A general purpose filler and binder for compressed and pelletized products. Used to increase green compression strength and impart flowability.
Sodium bentonite is a specially controlled blend of