When mixing refractory mud, too high water temperature will bring many adverse effects, as follows:

I. Chemical reactions affecting the binder

Refractory mud usually contains a variety of binders (such as phosphoric acid, water glass, dextrin, etc.), which may react abnormally under the action of high temperature water. For example, phosphoric acid binder may accelerate hydrolysis in high-temperature water, resulting in the decline of its bonding performance. In addition, the sodium silicate binder may set prematurely at high temperature, which will affect the construction performance of refractory mud.

II. Affecting the construction performance of refractory mud

Too high water temperature will shorten the setting time of refractory mud and make refractory mud harden too fast in the construction process, making it difficult to operate. For example, when the ambient temperature exceeds 35℃, the refractory mud will coagulate too fast, which may lead to the hardening of refractory mud before another brick is placed after the mud is plastered between refractory bricks and bricks. This not only affects the construction efficiency, but also may lead to problems such as uneven and incomplete brick joints.

III. Affecting the physical properties of refractory mud

High temperature water may make the water in refractory mud evaporate too fast, which makes the consistency and uniformity of mud difficult to control. This may cause water-slurry separation of refractory mud and affect its bonding performance. In addition, high-temperature water may also lead to uneven distribution of particles in refractory mud, thus affecting its strength and corrosion resistance at high temperature.

IV. Affect the high temperature performance of refractory mud

Excessive water temperature may increase the shrinkage of refractory mud at high temperature, leading to cracks in brick joints. In addition, high temperature water may also affect the refractoriness and thermal shock resistance of refractory mud, reducing its service life in high temperature environment.

V. Affecting the chemical stability of refractory mud

High temperature water may accelerate the reaction of chemical components in refractory mud, resulting in the decline of its chemical stability. For example, alkali metal oxides may coagulate and harden in high-temperature water, causing free water to float on the surface and form loose colloidal deposits, which will affect the surface quality and overall performance of refractory mud.

VI. Recommendations

In order to avoid the above problems, it is suggested to use normal temperature water (5℃-35℃) when mixing refractory mud, and strictly follow the instructions of the refractory mud manufacturer. If the ambient temperature is too high, the construction performance of refractory mud can be improved by appropriately lowering the water temperature or increasing retarder.