What type of refractory allows for sealing and excess moisture during the curing stage?

Hydraulic bonded castables are specifically designed to set and cure through a chemical reaction with water, allowing them to bond effectively even in the presence of moisture. This characteristic is essential during the curing stage, as it enables the material to bind together securely without the requirement for extensive heating initially.

Hydraulic binders used in these castables react with water to form a solid mass, which helps in sealing any gaps and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the refractory during the curing phase. The ability to accommodate excess moisture without compromising the final properties of the material makes hydraulic bonded castables a preferred choice in various applications, particularly in environments where moisture control is a concern.

In contrast, heat setting refractories depend on the application of high temperatures for curing and require a dry environment to ensure proper hardening. Non-hydraulic refractories do not set in the presence of moisture and typically require careful handling to avoid exposure to water before curing. Insulating refractories, while effective for thermal insulation, do not have the same bonding capabilities as hydraulic bonded castables and are not designed to handle moisture during curing.