Effect of micro and nano-Al2O3 addition on the microstructure and properties of MgO-C refractory ceramic composite

MgO-C refractory ceramic composites are widely used in the steel manufacturing industry, casting ladle, basic oxygen converters, electric arc furnaces, and in secondary steel production. Despite the advantages of this type refractory ceramic composite such as good compatibility, high thermal shock resistance, and low thermal expansion and wettability, their application is restricted due to its low mechanical strength and corrosion resistance that are caused by the high oxidation potential of carbon at high temperatures. Carbon can be oxidized to form of CO and CO2, resulting in a porous structure with low strength and corrosion resistance. In this study, the effect of Micro and Nano- Al2O3 on the microstructure and properties of MgO-C refractory ceramic composite was investigated. Results show that the use of alumina improves the properties of the specimens. Also, samples containing Nano-Al2O3 have better properties compared to the Micro- Al2O3 containing samples. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.