Refractories in EAF have to withstand extreme conditions such as temperatures over 1600°C, oxidation, thermal shock, erosion, and corrosion. These extreme conditions generally lead to an undesired wear of refractories. Specially engineered refractories can be provided by a controlled microstructure: alumina particles and mullite microballoons coated uniformly with carbon and carbides. The refractories can be either sintered or cast and can therefore be used in a wide range of components at EAF mills. These refractories can reduce ladle leakages and the formation of slags in transfer operations (Worrell et al., 2010. p. 93). 

In principle use of engineered refractories have a high application potential for China, India and the US.  However, in most cases, the EAF suppliers use the best available and cost effective materials for their design.