methods for forming monolithic refractory compositions may include providing a particulate refractory composition including 2 to 90 mass -% alumina , aluminosilicate , or mixtures thereof ; 2 to 70 mass -% silicon carbide ; 2 to 10 mass -% carbon ; 1 to 10 mass -% si powder ; 1 to 3 mass -% microsilica ; and up to 5 mass -% ferrosilicon . the methods may further include adding an amount of water to the particulate refractory composition to form a uniform mixture , installing the uniform mixture and allowing it to set , such that the monolithic refractory composition is required , and heat - treating the set mixture at a temperature no higher than 1200 ° c . under atmospheric conditions to form a monolithic refractory composition . the methods may optionally include heat - treating the obtained monolithic refractory composition to form silicon carbide whiskers within the monolithic refractory composition .