If a refractory contains high content of silicon, it means refractory is

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Refractories are materials that can withstand very high temperatures without melting or breaking down and are commonly used to line furnaces, kilns, and reactors.

Based on their chemical behavior towards slags, fumes, and environments, refractories are classified as acidic, basic, or neutral.

If a refractory contains a high content of silicon or silica (SiO₂), it is termed an acidic refractory. This is because silica reacts with basic oxides (like CaO or MgO) but remains stable in acidic conditions.

Acidic refractories are suitable for environments where the slags and gases are acidic in nature. Common examples include silica bricks and fireclay refractories.

On the other hand, basic refractories contain oxides such as magnesia (MgO) or lime (CaO), and neutral refractories contain materials like alumina or chromite that can resist both acidic and basic slags.

Therefore, when a refractory has a high silicon content, it is classified as an acidic refractory.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A: Acidic.