Methods of use of calcium hexa aluminate refractory linings and/or chemical barriers in high alkali or alkaline environments

A method for improving the insulating character/and or penetration resistance of a liner in contact with at least one of an alkali and/or alkaline environments, comprising:

• lining a surface that is subject to wear by an alkali environment and/or an alkaline environment with a refractory composition comprising a refractory aggregate consisting essentially of a calcium hexa aluminate clinker having the formula CA6, wherein C is equal to calcium oxide, wherein A is equal to aluminum oxide, and wherein said hexa aluminate clinker has from zero to less than about fifty weight percent C12A7, and wherein greater than 98 weight percent of said calcium hexa aluminate clinker having a particle size ranging from −20 microns to +3 millimeters, for forming a liner of said surface prior to contacting said surface with at least one of an alkali material, and an alkaline material, or combinations of said alkali and said alkaline materials, and for improving the insulating character/and or penetration resistance of said liner.