The Ceramics Research Centre (CRC) is part of Corus Research Development & Technology (NEN-EN-ISO 9001 certified), an organization of more than 1,000 employees. CRC is dedicated to refractory applications in Iron, Steel and Aluminium production and has a facility with an area of 1,500 m².

The Centre is unique in being fully dedicated to testing, characterizing and developing of high temperature materials for the ferrous and non-ferrous industry. This includes research and pilot studies on inorganic, non-metallic, waste products produced by these industries.

An integrated approach is used in order to apply and develop the most suitable refractory materials for iron, steel and aluminium making processes.

In addition to refractories for iron, steel and aluminium making, the CRC is active in the development of cermets, ceramic coatings and the production of ceramic components using ceramic injection moulding. Tailor-made synthetic slag formulations for a range of steel making applications are produced in a special UK production plant.

Together with users, purchasing department and plant technicians, the CRC plays an important role in finding a tailor-made refractory solution. The CRC developed advanced iron and steel making refractories, thus improving reliability and availability of Corus production facilities significantly. Being successful in this field, CRC expands utilization of its know-how and research facilities in other “non-refractory“ areas. Consequently, the CRC can be recognized as an excellently equipped research centre for inorganic materials.

The services of the Ceramics Research Centre range from consultancy and materials testing to product development, process simulation, computer modelling (temperature/stress calculations), prototyping, damage analysis and refractory courses.