Effects of Cr2O3 Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3 Matrix Composites

Al2O3-Cr2O3 refractories are completely substitution solid solutions and can effectively resist slag erosion when used as an industrial furnace lining. In order to provide suitable chromium corundum refractory with excellent slag resistance and mechanical properties for smelting reduction ironmaking, Al2O3-Cr2O3 samples with different mass percentages (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 wt.%) of Cr2O3 were prepared by a normal pressure sintering process to study its sintering properties, mechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, and microstructure. The results of densification behavior showed that the introduction of Cr2O3 deteriorates the compactness, the relative density and volume shrinkage rate of the composite material decrease with the increase of the Cr2O3 content, and the apparent porosity increases accordingly. In terms of mechanical properties, the hardness, compressive strength, and flexural strength of Al2O3-Cr2O3 material decrease gradually with the increase of Cr2O3. After 10 and 20 thermal shock cycles, the flexural strengths of the samples all decreased. With the increase of Cr2O3 in these samples, the loss rate of flexural strength gradually increased. Considering the slag resistance and mechanical properties of the composite material, the Al2O3-Cr2O3 composite refractory with Cr2O3 content of 20–30% can meet the requirements of smelting reduction iron making kiln lining.

The Impact of In Situ-Formed Spinel on the Porosity of No-Cement Refractory Castables

The paper focuses on the determination of how in-situ formed magnesia-alumina spinel (MA spinel) content in corundum refractory castables influences the final properties and pore size distribution of no-cement refractory castables. The motivation for this research was the continued pressure on increasing the utility properties of refractory castables, namely their corrosion resistance to blast-furnace slag. The influence of MA spinel content was observed in vibration-compacted refractory castables (three mixtures). The corrosion test was performed to determine the dependence of the size of the slag-penetrated area on MA spinel content in the specimen. The pore structure of a slag-penetrated NCC and an unaffected castable was described.

MgO Influence on the Fundamental Characteristics of Corundum Refractory Castables

The paper focuses on the determination of how periclase content in the raw material influences the final properties of no-cement refractory castables. The motivation for this research was the continued pressure on increasing the utility properties of refractory castables, especially their corrosion resistance. The influence of MgO was observed in vibration-compacted refractory castables; the mixtures were made so that the consistency of each one was the same. There were only minimal differences in the water content of the mixtures. The mineral composition of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of the refractory castables was determined and the influence of the firing temperature on their compressive strength, flexural strength, apparent porosity, mineralogy and pore structure was described. The corrosion resistance was determined by means of the crucible test according to CSN P CEN/TS 15418 (726022) Method of test for dense refractory products – Guidelines for testing the corrosion resistance of refractories caused by liquids.