Abstract:Refractory castables are widely used in high-temperature industrial fields because of their advantages of no molding, easy construction, and easy repair. Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is widely used in castables due to its advantages of rapid hardening, high early strength, excellent erosion resistance and wear resistance. In this review, the hydration mechanism of calcium aluminate cements is highlighted, and the advantages and disadvantages of various binding agents are summarized. The influencing factors of the hydration reaction of calcium aluminate cement are analyzed from three aspects: curing temperature, micropowder and admixture. The influencing factors of its hydration reaction are explained. The higher the curing temperature, the higher the degree of hydration of CAC and the more uniform the distribution of hydration products. The addition of micropowders and admixtures can increase the rate of hydration and reduce porosity. At the same time, the modification method of calcium aluminate cement combined with castable is introduced, and the positive effect of carbon material and dispersant on its construction performance and mechanical performance are analyzed. Finally, based on the modification of calcium aluminate cement combined castables and the problems faced, the outlook is made, and it is pointed out that exploring suitable dispersants, carbon materials and admixtures to improve the hydration rate of calcium aluminate cement and enhance the mechanical properties of its combined castables is the focus of future research.