hese materials consist of Silicon Carbide grains reaction bonded by a Silicon nitride (Si3N4) based matrix. Saint-Gobain Ceramics has integrated the best compositions and manufacturing know how of the former competitors Norton, Carborundum, AnnaWerk and Savoie Refractaires, and supplies a unique range of superior silicon nitride bonded SiC refractories. Special recipe for Aluminium Reductions Cells (**) Special recipe for Blast furnaces (***) Special recipe for Ceramic kiln furniture application A low residual Silicon content is critical for an overall good service performance. Density and open porosity may vary according to the size of the shapes Nitride bonded SiC shapes are mostly manufactured by pressing. A casting technology has been developped by Saint-Gobain Ceramics for very complex parts. Cast Refrax? and Cast Cryston? can be used to create complex shapes, replacing as for example, metal components in applications where the parts are subject to high abrasive and sliding wear even at elevated temperature.