While both refractory bricks and fire bricks are designed for high-temperature applications, there are some critical differences that make them suitable for different purposes:
- Composition: Refractory bricks, including SiC refractory bricks, are typically made from materials like silicon carbide, alumina, zirconia or are containing a higher amount of mullite. Fire bricks, on the other hand, are primarily composed of clay minerals and alumina or mullite in lower quantities
- Thermal properties: Refractory bricks generally have a higher thermal conductivity as of their higher density
- Application-specific performance: Refractory bricks are designed for specific high-temperature applications and environments, offering better performance in terms of wear, corrosion because of direct contact with the corrosive media, and thermal resistance. Fire bricks, while suitable for general high-temperature applications, may not perform as well in more demanding environments and have a limited maximum temperature of use.
- Cost: Due to their high quality raw materials and properties, cost of refractory bricks is typically premium compared to fire bricks.
| Item |
SK-30 |
SK-32 |
SK-34 |
SK-36 |
| AL2O3 % (min) |
30-35% |
35-38% |
38-42% |
50-55% |
| Fe2O3% (max) |
3 |
3 |
2.8 |
2.5 |
| Refractoriness |
≥1670°C |
≥1690°C |
≥1710°C |
≥1750°C |
| Refractoriness under load, 0.2MPa, (°C) |
≥1270 |
≥1350 |
≥1350 |
≥1430 |
| Apparent porosity (%) |
20-24 |
20-24 |
19-23 |
18-22 |
| Bulk density (g/cm³) |
2.00-2.05 |
2.05-2.1 |
2.1-2.15 |
2.15-2.25 |
| Cold crushing strength (MPa) |
≥25 |
≥30 |
≥35 |
≥45 |
| Thermal expansion at 1000°C (%) |
≤0.6 |
≤0.55 |
≤0.55 |
≤0.4 |



