Main difference between insulating fire brick and refractory brick

The main difference between insulating fire brick and refractory brick is their thermal conductivity.

Insulating fire brick (IFB) has a low thermal conductivity, which means it does not transfer heat well. These bricks are made of lightweight materials like vermiculite, perlite, and other lightweight aggregates that are mixed with a binder to form a porous structure. The porosity of IFBs makes them excellent insulation materials that are used to reduce heat loss in high-temperature applications. They are typically used in the construction of industrial furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment.

Refractory brick, on the other hand, has a high thermal conductivity and is designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and harsh chemical environments. Refractories are made from dense, heavy materials such as alumina, silica, or magnesia that are fired at high temperatures to create a dense, solid structure. These bricks are used in the construction of furnaces, kilns, and other high-temperature equipment where high heat and chemical corrosion are present.

In summary, the main difference between insulating fire brick and refractory brick is their thermal conductivity. Insulating fire brick has a low thermal conductivity and is used as an insulating material to reduce heat loss, while refractory brick has a high thermal conductivity and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical corrosion.