A new study published in the Journal of the Indian Chemical Society (June 2025) reports how surface modification of graphite can dramatically improve the flow and stability of alumina-based refractory castables.
🔗 Read the article on ScienceDirect
The research, titled “Rheological behaviour of monolithic refractory ceramic castable matrix containing sustainable surface-modified graphite,” demonstrates that applying thin oxide or aluminous coatings to graphite particles increases their hydrophilicity, allowing better dispersion in aqueous systems. This leads to lower water demand and more consistent rheology compared to mixes with uncoated graphite.
According to the authors, enhanced wetting and reduced agglomeration of graphite particles not only improve castable workability but also support more sustainable refractory design by enabling higher carbon content without compromising flow. The results highlight a pathway toward greener and more efficient high-temperature materials through interface engineering.
“The hydrophilic nanolayers act as a bridge between the carbon and ceramic matrix,” the study notes. “They minimize the viscosity jumps and enable a smoother casting process.”
The findings align with current trends in carbon-containing monolithic refractories, where producers seek to maintain oxidation resistance while reducing organic dispersants and water addition.
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Reference:
Rheological behaviour of monolithic refractory ceramic castable matrix containing sustainable surface-modified graphite, Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, June 2025, Elsevier.
FOBBERG MEDIA 
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