Zirconium Mullite Brick is a premium-grade composite refractory material engineered for high-temperature applications where thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and long service life are critical. By combining a mullite (Al₂O₃–SiO₂) matrix with a controlled addition of zirconia (ZrO₂), this refractory brick delivers significantly enhanced performance compared to conventional mullite or high alumina bricks.
1. Excellent high-temperature resistance (≥1680 °C)
2. Superior thermal shock resistance
3. Outstanding corrosion and slag erosion resistance
4. High mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity
5. Good volume stability under extreme conditions
6. Customizable dimensions and composition for specific applications
Used for lining glass furnace bottoms, furnace throats, regenerator hot-face zones, and melting pools. They are also widely used in non-ferrous metal smelting furnaces, steel reheating furnaces, chemical reactors, incinerators, and high-temperature kilns, providing excellent resistance to thermal shock, slag, and molten glass corrosion.
| Index | ZM-6 | ZM-12 | ZM-20 | ZM-30 | ZM-6 Castable |
| ZrO₂ / % | ≥6 | ≥12 | ≥20 | ≥30 | ≥6 |
| Al₂O₃ / % | ≥65 | ≥60 | ≥58 | ≥48 | ≥55 |
| Fe₂O₃ / % | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 |
| Bulk Density / g·cm³ | ≥2.8 | ≥2.9 | ≥3.1 | ≥3.3 | ≥2.6 |
| Apparent Porosity / % | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 |
| Cold Crushing Strength / MPa | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 |
| Refractoriness under Load (0.2MPa) / ℃ | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1600 |
High-Performance Refractory Solution for Extreme Thermal and Corrosive Environments
Zirconium Mullite Brick is a premium-grade composite refractory material engineered for high-temperature applications where thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and long service life are critical. By combining a mullite (Al₂O₃–SiO₂) matrix with a controlled addition of zirconia (ZrO₂), this refractory brick delivers significantly enhanced performance compared to conventional mullite or high alumina bricks.
Designed for continuous operation in harsh industrial environments, zirconium mullite bricks are widely used in glass furnaces, metallurgical furnaces, high-temperature kilns, incinerators, and chemical processing units. Their excellent resistance to thermal shock, slag penetration, and glass melt corrosion makes them a preferred lining material for critical hot-face zones.
Zirconium Mullite Brick is a composite refractory brick primarily composed of:
Mullite (3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂) as the structural backbone
Zirconia (ZrO₂) as a reinforcing phase to improve toughness and corrosion resistance
Through optimized raw material selection, precise batching, high-pressure forming, and high-temperature sintering, zirconium mullite bricks achieve a dense microstructure with superior mechanical and thermochemical properties.
The addition of zirconia modifies the microstructure of mullite, reducing crack propagation, improving resistance to glass and slag attack, and enhancing stability under rapid temperature fluctuations.
Zirconium mullite bricks maintain structural integrity at temperatures above 1680°C, making them suitable for long-term service in high-heat industrial furnaces and kilns.
The mullite matrix offers low thermal expansion, while zirconia particles absorb and redistribute thermal stress. This combination significantly improves resistance to rapid heating and cooling cycles.
These bricks exhibit excellent resistance to:
Molten glass
Acidic and alkaline slags
High-temperature chemical vapors
This makes them particularly suitable for glass furnace bottoms, throats, and other corrosion-prone zones.
Zirconium mullite bricks provide high cold crushing strength (≥80 MPa) and improved load-bearing capacity at elevated temperatures.
The optimized microstructure reduces heat loss, contributing to better furnace energy efficiency and lower operating costs.
All data are based on our Highland Refractory internal quality standards.
| Index | ZM-6 | ZM-12 | ZM-20 | ZM-30 | ZM-6 Castable |
| ZrO₂ / % | ≥6 | ≥12 | ≥20 | ≥30 | ≥6 |
| Al₂O₃ / % | ≥65 | ≥60 | ≥58 | ≥48 | ≥55 |
| Fe₂O₃ / % | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.2 |
| Bulk Density / g·cm³ | ≥2.8 | ≥2.9 | ≥3.1 | ≥3.3 | ≥2.6 |
| Apparent Porosity / % | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 | ≤17 |
| Cold Crushing Strength / MPa | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 |
| Refractoriness under Load (0.2MPa) / ℃ | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1680 | ≥1600 |
Zirconium mullite bricks are manufactured using a strict quality-controlled process:
High-purity raw material selection (calcined alumina, synthetic mullite, zircon sand)
Precision batching and mixing to ensure uniform zirconia distribution
High-pressure forming for dense structure
High-temperature firing in controlled kilns
Dimensional inspection and performance testing
This process ensures consistent quality, stable performance, and reliable service life in demanding industrial applications.
Glass furnace bottoms
Throats and working ends
Regenerator hot-face zones
Zirconium mullite bricks provide excellent resistance to molten glass penetration and alkali vapor corrosion, reducing contamination risks and extending furnace campaign life.
Non-ferrous metal smelting furnaces
Steel reheating furnaces
Ladle and tundish wear zones
Ceramic kilns
Tunnel kilns
Roller hearth kilns
High-temperature combustion chambers
Chemical reactors exposed to corrosive gases
| Property | Zirconium Mullite Brick | Mullite Brick | High Alumina Brick |
| Max Service Temperature | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Corrosion Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mechanical Strength | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Service Life | Long | Medium | Medium |
| Cost Level | Medium–High | Medium | Medium |
Proper expansion joints should be designed during installation to accommodate thermal movement.
Controlled heating-up and cooling-down schedules are recommended to maximize service life.
Suitable refractory mortar or castable should be selected for matching chemical compatibility.
Technical installation guidance can be provided upon request.
We offer zirconium mullite bricks in:
Standard and customized dimensions
Special shapes for furnace-specific designs
Tailored chemical composition based on operating conditions
OEM and project-based solutions are available for glass furnaces, metallurgical plants, and high-temperature industrial systems.
Stable quality with strict raw material control
Proven performance in demanding industrial applications
Competitive pricing compared with European and American brands
Strong technical support and customization capability
Reliable international export experience
If you are looking for a high-performance refractory solution for extreme thermal and corrosive environments, zirconium mullite brick is an ideal choice.
📩 Contact us today to receive:
Detailed technical datasheets
Application recommendations
Project-specific quotations and samples
1. What makes Zirconium Mullite Brick different from standard mullite or high alumina bricks?
Zirconium Mullite Brick combines a mullite (Al₂O₃–SiO₂) matrix with zirconia (ZrO₂), enhancing thermal shock resistance, corrosion protection, and high-temperature stability beyond standard mullite or high alumina bricks.
2. What are the typical grades of Zirconium Mullite Brick and their applications?
Highland Refractory offers ZM-6, ZM-12, ZM-20, ZM-30, and ZM-6 Castable. Each grade varies in ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ content, allowing selection for glass furnace bottoms, metallurgical furnaces, chemical reactors, or high-temperature kilns.
3. How are Zirconium Mullite Bricks manufactured?
They are produced through high-purity raw material selection, precision batching, high-pressure forming, and high-temperature firing. This ensures a dense microstructure with excellent mechanical strength and thermal performance.
4. What is the maximum service temperature of ZM series bricks?
ZM-6, ZM-12, ZM-20, and ZM-30 bricks have a refractoriness under load of ≥1680 °C, while ZM-6 Castable reaches ≥1600 °C, suitable for extreme high-temperature industrial furnaces.
5. How do Zirconium Mullite Bricks resist corrosion and erosion?
The zirconia-reinforced mullite matrix provides strong resistance against molten glass, acidic and alkaline slags, and high-temperature chemical vapors, making them ideal for glass furnace hot-face zones and chemical reactors.
6. Can Zirconium Mullite Bricks be customized?
Yes, they can be tailored in size, shape, and chemical composition to fit specific furnace designs or industrial applications, ensuring optimal performance and extended service life.
7. What are the key installation recommendations for Zirconium Mullite Bricks?
Proper expansion joints should be incorporated, and controlled heating and cooling schedules should be followed. Using compatible refractory mortar or castable ensures long-term stability and performance.
8. Why choose Highland Refractory’s Zirconium Mullite Bricks?
They offer stable quality, proven high-temperature performance, competitive pricing compared to European and American brands, strong technical support, and project-based customization for international industrial applications.
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