CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute

Refractory & Traditional Ceramics

Overview

The Refractories Division is instrumental in the development of wide range of refractories for steel, cement, glass and other high temperature processing industries. Several refractory processes developed in the laboratory have been commercialized by the major refractory manufacturers of the country. The department has successfully executed many externally funded projects sponsored by corporate sectors, PSUs and various other government agencies.
The division is primarily engaged in the following activities.

Refractory raw material research
Refractory product development
Refractory testing
Human resource development in the area of refractory
Consultancy/technical services

The division is also engaged in the research activities on the gainful utilization of solid wastes generated by iron and steel and other processing industries.

Areas of Research

Gainful utilisation of Indian refractory raw materials through structural modification(magnesite, bauxite, limestone, dolomite)
Synthetic refractory aggregates namely, spinel, high alumina from sillimanite beach sand, zirmul etc. through conventional / plasma processing
Carbon based refractory for steelmaking and functional applications
Cement and chemically bonded monolithic refractory
Refractory pot for corrosive glass melting (10 litre to 310 litre)
Refractory recycling
Utilisation of solid industrial waste (Iron & steel, mining, power plant etc.)

Technology Developed

Technologies Developed & Transferred

High alumina brick from beach sand sillimanite (a) chemical bonding (b) ceramic bonding
Synthetic high alumina aggregate (54-86% Al2O3)
Low cement castable (45-90% Al2O3)
Sintered high Al2O3 products (97-99.5% Al2O3)
Rice husk ash nodules for heat insulation
High alumina cement free self flowing castable (70-95% Al2O3)
Mag-chrome aggregate from friable chrome ore
Rice husk ash insulating brick: (a) phosphate bonding, (b) chemical bonding
Wear resistant ceramics
Hydration resistant sintered lime and lime refractory products thereof.
Magnesia spinel refractory for cement rotary kiln.

Technology under Development

High alumina aggregates from bauxite of Indian origin
Plasma fused refractory materials
Vitrified ceramic tiles utilizing solid industrial wastes
Functional refractory from sintered alumina
LC castables for petrochemical and power plant application
Plastic refractory

Projects

Ongoing Projects

Sl. No.	Title of the Project	Duration	Source of Funding	Principal Investigator	Co-Investigator (s)
1.	A study to assess the interaction between hydrogen and the refractory during direct reduction of iron by hydrogen	2024-27	ANRF	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra	Dr. Kausik dana
2.	Effect of in-situ non-oxide reinforcement on the performance & properties of low-carbon Al₂O₃ -C refractories	2024-27	ANRF	Dr. Venkatesh Pilli	Dr. H. S. Tripathi
3.	New generation refractory materials for blast furnace	2024-26	Private industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi (Co-ordinator), Dr. Venkatesh Pilli	Dr. Kausik Dana, Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra, Mr. Ajitesh Kar, Mr. Ankush Prathap Singh
4.	MgAlON bonded oxide-non oxide composite refractory	2024-26	CSIR	Ms. Paromita Das	Dr. H. S. Tripathi, Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra
5.	Specialty Chemicals for Industrial Applications	2024-27	CSIR	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra
6.	Processing of Kimberlite tailings for the production of fuse magnesia	2023-26	CSIR	Dr. Kausik Dana	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra
7.	Refractory Recycling for Sustainable Development	2023-26	CSIR	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra	Dr. H. S. Tripathi, Dr. Kausik Dana, Ms. Paromita Das, Dr. Venkatesh Pilli
8.	Development and corrosion study of refractory pot SLS glass melting	2023-24	Private industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi (Co-ordinator), Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra, Dr. Shirshendu Chakraborty	Mr. S Nag, Mr. B. Haldar, Mr. M. Adhikary, Mr. S. Pasari
9.	Exploration of Indian Clays for the Development of Functional Materials through Surface Modification	2023-26	SERB	Dr. Kausik Dana	Dr. H. S. Tripathi, Dr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Ms. P Das, Mr. V. P. Reddy, Mr. S. Pasari

Completed Projects

Sl. No.	Title of the Project	Duration	Source of Funding	Principal Investigator	Co-Investigator (s)
1.	Development of suitable binder for processing calcined alumina (in the form of blocks & pallets) in tunnel and rotary kiln without saggers for production of α- alumina	2022-24	Private industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Mr. Gopal Debnath, Mr. V. P. Reddy
2.	Development of cost effective refractory lining material for induction melting furnace suitable for production of quality steel : Phase II (Industrial Trials)	2019-23	Govt. Agency	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Mr. Gopal Debnath, Mr. V. P. Reddy, Mrs. S. Bose
3.	Development of Low Carbon MgO-C Refractory for clean steel production.	2020-22	CSIR	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Ms. P Das, Mr. V. P. Reddy,
4.	Oxide non-oxide composite refractory for high temperature applications utilizing indigenous raw materials	2019-22	SERB	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Mr. V. P. Reddy, Mrs. S. Bose
5.	Synthetic high alumina aggregate from sillimanite beach sand for refractory application	2018-20	CSIR	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra
6.	Superior fused magnesia from impure Indian magnesite for self sustenance	2018-20	CSIR	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana
7.	Characterisation of high carbon ferro chrome slag waste to find out its suitability for refractory applications.	2018	Private industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra
8.	Superior refractory for induction furnace to enable refining of steel	2017-18	CSIR	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. A. Ghosh, Dr. S. Chakraborty, , Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra
9.	Development of High Alumina Castable for OPC industry with better Alkali Corrosion resistance ; spalling and abrasion resistance	2017-18	Private industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra, Mr. V. P. Reddy
10.	Development of cost effective refractory lining materials for induction melting furnace suitable for production of quality steel	2016-18	Govt. Agency	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. A. Ghosh, Dr. S. Chakraborty, Mr. V. P. Reddy
11.	Technology development for the production of speciality refractories through value addition to the indigenously available raw materials	2012-17	CSIR	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. H. S. Tripathi Dr. M. K. Haldar	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra Dr. Atul Maldhure Dr. K. Dana Mr. S. Gupta Dr. S. K. Das
12.	Development of refractory aggregates through plasma processing of indigenous refractory raw materials	2012-17	CSIR	Dr. M. K. Haldar	Dr. A. Ghosh
13.	Development of fire-resistant coating on structural element	2012-17	CSIR	Dr. K Dana	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra
14.	Novel reactive precursors for glass and ceramics	2012-17	CSIR	Dr. K Dana	Dr H. S. Tripathi
15.	Technological intervention and training of artisans in terracotta sector of West Bengal	2016-17	CSIR	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra	Dr. H. S. Tripathi, Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Pasari, Mr. S. Roy
16.	Technological intervention of terracotta sector in Bankura/ South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal	2016	CSIR	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra	Dr. K. Dana, Mr. S. Gupta, Mr. S. Ghosh, Mr. S. Pasari, Mr. S. Roy
17.	Granular porous ceramic material with engineered pore pattern.	2015-16	Private industry	Dr. K Dana	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra Dr. H. S. Tripathi Dr. A. Ghosh
18.	Refractory castable for CFBC boiler	2015-16	Public Sector	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. A. Ghosh Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra Dr. A. Maldhure Mr. S. Pasari
19.	Role of Tabular Alumina in resin bonded alumina-carbon continuous casting refractories	2014-16	Private Industry	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. H. S. Tripathi Dr. A. Maldhure Dr. K. Dana
20.	Development of value added high alumina refractory products from Indian bauxite	2013-15	Private Industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. S. K. Das Mr. V. P. Reddy
21.	High alumina aggregates from sillimanite beach sand and its application in refractory castables	2013-15	Private Industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. S. K. Das Mr. G. Debnath Mr. V. P. Reddy
22.	Characterization of Indian lean grade magnesia ore and improvement of its high temperature refractory properties with and without beneficiation	2012-15	Govt. Agency	Dr. M. K. Haldar	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. H. S. Tripathi
23.	Development of cored refractory shapes for air heater	2014-15	Govt. Agency	Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. H. S. Tripathi Dr. K. Dana Dr. P. K. Das
24.	Development of aluminosilicate refractory products utilising insulator waste	2014-15	Private Industry	Dr. H. S. Tripathi	Dr. A. Ghosh Mr. S. Sinhamahapatra
25.	Improvement of MgO-C brick quality to enhance the converter life	2010-14	Public Sector	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. S.K. Das Dr. M.K. Haldar Dr. H.S. Tripathi
26.	Development of newer refractory crucible for melting of corrosive glasses	2010-14	Govt. Agency	Dr. S.K. Das	Mr. S. Gupta
27.	Development of value added ceramic products utilising solid waste generated at VSP	2011-13	Public Sector	Dr. S. K. Das	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. H. S. Tripathi Dr. M. K. Haldar
28.	Development of Corrosion Resistant Glass Contact Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃	2009-13	Govt. Agency	Dr. H.S. Tripathi	Dr. A. Ghosh
29.	Development of value added Refractory of Aggregate from Indian bauxite of TRL	2010-12	Private Industry	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. S.K. Das Dr. H. Tripathi DR. M. K. Haldar
30.	Upscaling of hydration resistant lime aggregate & lime refractories thereof	2008-12	Collaborative programme with Industry	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. S.K. Das Dr. M. K. Haldar Dr. H. S. Tripathi
31.	Al₂O₃-MgAl₂O₄ refractory with & without carbon	2007-10	Govt. Agency	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. H.S. Tripathi
32.	Vitrified ceramic tiles utilizing sand stone dust of stone processing industries	2009-10	Private Industry	Dr. S. K. Das	Dr. M. K. Haldar Mr. P.K. Mondal Mr. S. Gupta Mr. N. Singh Mr. S. Dasgupta
33.	Utilisation of iron ore tailings in making low cost building materials	2008-09	Private Industry	Dr. S.K. Das	Mr. N. Singh Mr. P. K. Mondal Mr. S. Gupta Mr. A. Mondal Dr. J. Ghosh
34.	Development of value added refractory products from Indian Bauxite	2005-08	Govt. Agency	Dr. H.S. Maiti	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. B. Mukherjee Dr. M. K. Haldar Dr. H. S. Tripathi
35.	Technology development to manufacture Vitrified Ceramic Tiles utilizing EAF slag	2007-08	Private Industry	Dr. S.K. Das	Dr. R. Sarkar Mr. N. Singh
36.	Plasma processing of industrially important high temperature aggregates	2003-07	Govt. Agency	Dr. B. Mukherjee	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. R. Sarkar Dr. H.S.Tripathi
37.	Evaluation of High Alumina Ore and Development of Stable refractory aggregates therefrom	2004-05	Govt. Agency	Dr. M.K. Haldar	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. B. Mukherjee
38.	Development of magnesium aluminate and Mg-chrome spinel aggregates	2000-04	Govt. Agency	Dr. A. Ghosh	Dr. Samir Das Dr. M.K. Haldar Dr. H.S. Tripathi
39.	Development of castable based refractory pot	2000-03	Govt. Agency	Dr. A.C. Das	Dr. M. K. Haldar Mr. P. Choudhury
40.	Development of high temperature ceramic filter for molten metal filtration	1999-2003	In-House	Dr. S.K. Das	Mr. P.K. Mondal
41.	Development of new generation refractory castables	1998-2002	in-house	Dr. S.K. Das	Mr. P. K. Mondal Dr. R. Sarkar
42.	Characterisation of low grade aluminous ore and development of mullite aggregates and refractories	2000-2001	Govt. Agency	Dr. B. Mukherjee	Dr. H.S. Tripathi Dr. A. Ghosh
43.	Development of magnesium aluminate spinel aggregates	1997-1999	Overseas Industry	Dr. Samir Das	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. H.S. Tripathi Dr. G. Banerjee
44.	Development of high density hydration resistant lime sinter and lime refractories for application in steel and cement industries	1996-1999	Govt. Agency	Dr. G. Banerjee	Dr. Samir Das Dr. Arup Ghosh
45.	Development of Mag-chrome aggregates	1996-1998	Private Industry	Dr. G. Banerjee	Dr. Samir Das Dr. M.K. Haldar Dr. A. Ghosh
46.	Development of technology for critical components in Iron & Steel industry from zirconia powder	1992-1996	Govt. Agency	Dr. G. Banerjee	Dr. B. Mukherjee Dr. M.K. Haldar
47.	Development of magnesite refractories with an inorganic binder	1995-1996	Overseas Industry	Dr. Samir Das	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. G. Banerjee
48.	Development of synthetic mullite and zirco-mullite aggregates from beach sand sillamanite and zircon	1994-1995	Private Industry	Dr. G. Banerjee	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. B. Mukherjee Dr. Samir Das Dr. H.S. Tripathi
49.	Development of high density dolomite sinter and dolomite refractories	1990-1993	Private Industry	Dr. Samir Das	Dr. A. Ghosh Dr. G. Banerjee

Divisional Facilities

Processing equipments

Attrition mill
Rapid planetary mill
Tube mill
Planetary mixer
Eirich mixer
Hydraulic presses (upto 200 Ton)
Cold isostatic press
Roll Briquetting machine
Vibration table for castable
High temperatures furnaces (upto 1800^oC)
Control atmosphere furnace (upto 2200^oC)
Automatic grinding & polishing machine

Characterisation facilities

Abrasion resistance tester
Hot MOR testing machine
CCS, MOR testing machine
Thermal conductivity (Copper calorimeter)
PCE, RUL tester
Slag corrosion tester
High temperature dilatometer
High temperature TG-DTA/ DSC
Optical microscope
Thermomechanical Analyzer (1550^oC

Scientists

Dr. Himansu Sekhar Tripathi, Chief Scientist and Head

Dr. Kausik Dana, Senior Principal Scientist

Dr. Somnath Sinha Mahapatra, Principal Scientist and Leader (Refractory)

Ms. Paromita Das, Scientist

Dr. Venkatesh Pilli, Scientist

Mr. Nelson Kandulna, Scientist

Technical/Support Staff

Name	Designation	Expertise
Gopal Debnath	Senior Technical Officer (2)	Refractory Testing
V.P. Reddy	Senior Technical Officer (1)	Refractory Processing and Testing
Rajesh Kumar Bahinipati	Senior Technical Officer (1)	Refractory Testing
Satyajit Pasari	Technical Officer	Refractory Processing and Testing
Souma Bose (Das)	Technician (2)	Refractory Testing
Mrityunjay Sardar	Technician (1)	Refractory Testing
Anirban Kole	Technician (1)	Refractory Testing

Scholars/Students

Name	Designation	Area of Research	Supervisor
Ms. Smriti Halder	Project Associate – I	Exploration of Indian Clays for the Development of Functional Materials through Surface Modification	Dr. Kausik Dana
Ms. Aarya Bhardowaz	Project Associate – I	Refractory Recycling for Sustainable Development	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra
Ms. Aditi Das	Project Associate – I	Refractory Recycling for Sustainable Development	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra
Ms. Priyanka Mudi	Project Associate – I	Specialty Chemicals for Industrial Applications	Dr. H.S. Tripathi
Mr. Dipanjan Ash	Project Associate – I	New generation refractory materials for blast furnace	Dr. Venkatesh Pilli
Mr. Adarsha Maji	Project Associate – I	Processing of Kimberlite tailings for the production of fuse magnesia	Dr. Kausik Dana
Mr. Raj Das	Project Associate – I	MgAlON bonded oxide-non-oxide composite refractory	Ms. Paromita Das
Mr. Indrajit Ghanta	Project Associate – I	New generation refractory materials for blast furnace	Dr. Venkatesh Pilli
Ms. Ankita Bhattacharyya	Project Associate – I	Effect of in-situ non-oxide reinforcement on the performance & properties of low-carbon Al₂O₃ -C refractories	Dr. Venkatesh Pilli
Ms. Madhurima Kundu	Project Assistant	A study to assess the interaction between hydrogen and the refractory during direct reduction of iron by hydrogen	Dr. Somnath Sinhamahapatra