peamiselt mineraalse koostisega kõrge sulamistemperatuuriga materjal, mis on keemiliselt vastupidav ka kõrgel temperatuuril
a non-metallic material used to line furnaces, kilns, ovens, and some high-temperature reactors, which can maintain its mechanic strength at high temperature
Composed principally of ceramics, refractories are employed in great quantities in the metallurgical, glassmaking, and ceramics industries, where they are formed into a variety of shapes to line the interiors of furnaces, kilns, and other devices that process materials at high temperatures.
There is no clearly established boundary between refractory and non-refractory materials, though a practical requirement often cited is the ability of the material to withstand temperatures above 1100°C without softening. Refractory materials must be strong at high temperatures, resistant to thermal shock, chemically inert, and have low thermal conductivities and coefficients of expansion.
