During the curing of chemically bonded refractories, what is a specific requirement?

In the context of curing chemically bonded refractories, the requirement for the lining surface to remain uncovered and dry is essential for the curing process to be effective. Chemically bonded refractories rely on specific chemical reactions that occur as the binder material sets and gains strength.

If the lining surface is covered with moisture, it can interfere with these reactions, potentially leading to incomplete curing, which compromises the integrity and performance of the refractory material. Maintaining a dry environment allows the chemical binding agents to properly react and form strong bonds, crucial for the refractory's thermal and mechanical stability.

This understanding helps ensure that the refractories achieve their designed properties and longevity in high-temperature applications, which is critical for industrial processes.