Over the past five years, the refractories industry has become witness to a massive wave of consolidation, which swept through most producers, whether large or small. Furthermore the iron and steel industry, the main user of basic refractories, has been under tremendous pressure to reduce capacity and cost, and to promote efficiency.The above conditions are changing the way that raw materials are sourced and specifically refractory grade dead burned magnesia. As raw materials are an important cost factor, refractory producers are investigating possible lower-cost alternatives and better performing products. The general perception s that there is excess capacity and over-supply of magnesia in the sector. This may be true in certain applications but not in all. It is interesting, therefore, to see the areas where new concepts to the material field may fit in.
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