Silicon nitride-bonded silicon carbide (SNBSC) and aluminosilic ate-bonded silicon carbide (ASBSC) refractories have been prepared by reaction bonding. The percentage of silicon nitride or aluminosilicate in the refractory was varied from 15 to 25 wt.%. The modulus of rupture of the refractories increases with molybdenum disilicide (MOSi2) infiltration. These are resistant to molten zinc, lead, and aluminium, but are attacked by molten sodium sulphate. The thermal expansion coefficient of silicon carbide refractories varies from 3.1 X 10(-6) to 5.3 x 10(-6) C-1 for the temperature from room temperature to 1000 degreesC. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.