8. Conclusion

Refractory ceramics constitute a large and extensive group of ceramics. They are indispensable in the high-temperature sector. When properly selected and used, they can be of great service. If not, the user is bound to run into major difficulties.

Assessing the suitability of a refractory ceramic in an industrial context is a complex process. There are many different raw materials, many different fields of application, and the properties required to respond to stresses such as corrosion or thermal shock are different, even contradictory.

Field experience is a must. It must be accompanied by a scientific and technical approach, drawing on a wealth of basic knowledge in materials and process engineering, thermal engineering, thermomechanics and the physical chemistry of high temperatures.

In the future, technological...