ASTM's refractory standards are instrumental in specifying, testing, and evaluating the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of various materials and products made of refractory. These materials, which are commonly made from the oxides of aluminum (alumina), silicon (silica), magnesium (magnesia), and calcium (lime), have the distinct characteristic of being able to retain physical and chemical stability at extremely high temperatures. These refractory standards help materials science laboratories, material processing companies, product manufacturers, and other producers and users of such materials and products in their proper fabrication and treatment procedures to ensure good quality and workmanship towards safe utilization.
