2025 ECerS - FIRE Summer School - Victor Pandolfelli

The New Stone Age

Prof. Victor Pandolfelli

Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brasil

Refractory materials have long been crucial to scientific and technological advancements. The magnitude of this contribution is especially evident in the remarkable growth of steel production, which now approaches 1.8 billion tons annually. Beyond metallurgy, industries like cement, glass, petrochemicals and aluminum together account for about 25% of the ceramic refractories market. While the metallurgical sector has traditionally been a major driver of technological progress, today there is an increasing demand for specialty steels and refractories that offer superior performance and are designed to prevent prolonged operational disruptions in equipment.

Nevertheless, when a layperson thinks about refractory ceramics, they consider it a minor area where science is not involved, but mostly developed by empirical experiences. Perhaps, what they are not aware of is the great number of variables involved in the microstructure design, production and application of these materials. However, even considering this scenario, world development was only possible with the corresponding advance in knowledge of these materials.

If more was not done, it was due to the lack of previous tools to provide a holistic view of this very complex environment. Nowadays, with the different computing simulation packages available, big data analysis, AI, sensors, etc, the refractory ceramic area can better face the challenges related to environmental issues, produce novel non-natural raw materials, allow that those applied at ultra-high temperatures can be attained, save production and operational energy, provide better working conditions, etc.

This talk will highlight that the golden age of refractory materials is just beginning!

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