Change in properties of unfired magnesite tarred brick due to unilateral coking firing

Conclusions

Unfired magnesite brick is capable of undergoing sharp thermal changes without visible signs of destruction.

The rate of heating of the structure over the depth during single sided firing diminishes with time. The depth of coking of the tarred bond at 2 h firing reaches 140 mm and for 6 h firing 190 mm.

The maximum compressive strength (430 kg/cm²) is possessed by a zone heated in the range 500–730°C. The apparent porosity and gas permability increase from the cold to the hot surface of the brick.