Gilsonite in Refractories and Carbon Products

Carbon-containing refractories and carbon products sometimes use natural asphalts as binders or carbon sources.

Role

• Binder that cokes during firing
• Adds carbon to the matrix

Carbon-bonded refractories

Refractories such as magnesia-carbon and alumina-carbon bricks contain carbon to resist slag attack and thermal shock. They are bonded with resins or pitch that turn into carbon when heated.

Role of natural asphalt

Gilsonite can act as part of the binder system: it melts during mixing, coats grains and then cokes during firing or service, leaving a carbon network.

Considerations

• Volatile release during heating must be managed.
• Gilsonite’s coke yield is lower than some pitches.
• Fine grades give better distribution.

Other carbon products

Gilsonite has been used in carbon electrodes, pastes and specialty carbon products where a natural, low-ash hydrocarbon is required. Trials are essential.

Use micronized gilsonite.