Refractory material is frequently exposed to temperature changes with high tensile stress to the material. This results in low standing time for the refractory material, thus frequent period for shut down for repairs and low furnace availability. To achieve long service life for refractories even at high temperatures, steel fibres are added to the insulating material. These fibers are distributed evenly in the material.
Steel fibers are filament or wire, deformed and cut to lengths as per customer's requirements. Metallic fibers include low carbon cold drawing process. There are three types of fibers, hooked, corrugated or straight. They are used in concrete, mortar and refractory material. They can be used in cellar walls, foundation slabs, refractories, liquid tight floors, pavements, outdoor slabs, suspended ground slabs and composite slabs.
Here are the benefits of reinforcement fibres: