Effect of specially formulated graphite on the thermo mechanical properties of Al2O3-C slide gate plate refractory

Abstract

In this study, a different approach has been followed to improve the thermo-mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of Al2O3-C slide gate plate refractories. In the present work, specially formulated graphite (SFG) was used as carbon source to partially replace flaky graphite by the SFG in Al2O3–C refractories in order to study the effect of its addition on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. Al2O3-C refractory batches fortified with various fractions of SFG were prepared on a pilot plant scale, and their thermo-mechanical properties were studied. Bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, hot modulus of rupture and oxidation resistance were the properties studied across a series of batches. The new compositions exhibited excellent hot strength and oxidation resistance. Microstructural observation indicated easy formation of nanostructured whiskers are fiber thus improving the hot strength and oxidation resistance. The positive effect of addition of specially formulated graphite to Al2O3-C refractory has been well-established in this study. A huge potential exists for future commercial exploitation of the concepts embodied in this work.