Study of Zirconia-Mullite system: Effect of SrO addition with alumina content variation

Abstract

Mullite-zirconia systems have encouraged developing a refractory composite with thermomechanical properties, which can be widely used in glass and steel industries. Numerous
methods have been employed and researches have been carried out in developing such a composite whose properties can be enhanced with the effect of additives. In this project work, Strontium oxide has been used an additive and also the alumina content has been varied to study the densification behavior of the zirconia-mullite system. 2, 4, and 6% SrO were added to the stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric batches (with deficient and excess alumina). Then the samples were fired at 1500-1600 oC and various characterizations were conducted. The bulk density, dimensional density, apparen porosity, and volume shrinkage tests were performed to interpret the nature of the composite with addition of SrO. Also X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the phases and analyze the phase compositions in various samples.