Do you know "kiln furniture"?

Simply put, it is a special type of ceramic that is one of the refractory materials that can withstand high heat. At the same time, it was able to maintain its physical properties in that kiln environment. The furniture in the ceramic kiln is made from a special type of ceramic that is highly resistant to heat. It serves to support and protect the product during the high temperature firing process.

Generally, 'kiln furniture' refers to the parts in the kiln, such as the kiln cars, product liners and rollers in a continuous kiln. The kiln furniture must be made of materials that are able to withstand the heat in the firing temperature range, as well as withstand the firing atmosphere without bending. The workpiece material should not be very thick and should weigh less in order to avoid heavy pressure and not heat when used at high temperatures.

Ceramics for furniture in kilns include

• Alumina-silica Widely used ceramics for high temperature usually are materials in the alumina-silica system. Most have some crystalline or amorphous structures connected by glass. The refractory materials in this system may be divided into 3 groups according to the alumina content: silica, alumino-silicate, and high alumina.
• Silicon carbide There are three types of silicon carbide products available on the market. They are second-phase bonded silicon carbide, reaction-bonded type and annealed type or also known as new crystallized silicon carbide. When comparing the properties of the three types, it is found that the load-bearing distance and the thickness are functions of the strength of the material. As the strength of the material increases, the furniture in the kiln will be less dense and the load capacity will then increase. Although the price increases following the quality of the material but the results are in terms of productivity and energy consumption. This help to reduce the cost incurred in using this material but when comparing the properties of silicon carbide and alumina silicon carbide it is likely to be used more because it is a stronger material, relatively low price, and can be used with fast firing cycles.

However, silicon carbide deteriorates rapidly in an oxidizing atmosphere and reacts with many ceramic-making compounds. While alumina is inert to most materials in sintering and can create a smooth surface. It costs more and has lower strength.

This is the most important factor in determining which kiln furniture to use. It depends on the price and service life because it directly affects the production capacity and energy costs. Therefore, it is likely that entrepreneurs producing sanitary ware, crockery, electronic mats and ceramic products, etc., will need to re-evaluate the refractory materials used in the kiln in order to increase production capacity, energy efficient, increase the proportion of pieces to furniture in the kiln, improved product quality after firing for easy sorting and conveying for breeding. It can also increase the life of the furniture in the kiln.