Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Al_(4)SiC_(4) and Its Effect on Properties of MgO-C Refractories

Al_(4)SiC_(4) was synthesized from Al powder, silicon carbide, and graphite by microwave sintering, and characterized by XRD and SEM. Then the synthesized material was added to the magnesia carbon refractory brick to study its effect on the oxidation resistance, apparent porosity, bulk density, elastic modulus, and modulus of rupture. It is found that Al_(4)SiC_(4) can be synthesized by microwave sintering at 1 300 ℃ and the addition of Al_(4)SiC_(4)-containing material as an antioxidant can enhance the oxidation resistance of the magnesia carbon refractory brick.

Effect of ZrC Modified Graphite on Structure and Properties of Low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C Refractories

To address the issues of reduced performance and shortened lifespan during the low-carbonizating process of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite was prepared using Zr powder and flake graphite as raw materials,with NaCl and NaF mixed salt serving as the medium.The flake graphite was gradually replaced by ZrC modified graphite in the preparation of Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories,and its impact on the material’s structure and properties was investigated.The results indicate that,compared to samples with only flake graphite,the introduction of 1 mass%to 5 mass%nano-crystalline ZrC modified graphite can significantly enhance the mechanical performance of low-carbon Al_(2)O_(3)-C refractories.When 5 mass%ZrC modified graphite is added,the mechanical properties of the samples are optimal,with the cold modulus of rupture and elastic modulus reaching 22.5 MPa and 65.0 GPa,respectively.

Enhanced oxidation resistance of low-carbon MgO-C refractories with ternary carbides:a review

The demand for low-carbon MgO–C refractories is ever growing to meet the development of advanced steelmaking technologies and efficient energy conservation.Meanwhile,to improve the oxidation resistance and inhibit the weakness of low-carbon MgO–C refractories,antioxidants are necessary.The application of ternary carbides that focused on improving the oxidation performance of MgO–C refractories has been explored,and the ternary carbides including Al_(4)O_(4)C,Al8B_(4)C_(7),Al_(4)SiC_(4),Ti_(2)AlC,Ti_(3)AlC_(2),and Ti_(3)SiC_(2)have been proved effective.The crystal structure,physical properties,oxidation behavior,and synthesis of these ternary carbides were summarized,and their oxidation mechanism in assisting antioxidation of MgO–C refractories was discussed.In addition,the potential aspects related to the usage and development of ternary carbides in low-carbon MgO–C refractories were proposed.

Reactive wetting phenomena of MgO-C refractories in contact with CaO-SiO_2 slag

Wetting phenomena between MgO C and CaO SiO2 slags were investigated by varying carbon content.A sessile drop technique was adopted to study the wetting phenomena in conjunction with a high speed camera for the observation of intrinsic wetting phenomena.The results show that the high content of SiO2 and the presence of Al2O3 in slags enhance the diffusion of Mg2+,leading to the promotion of reactive wetting.The carbon in MgO C refractory impedes the penetration of slags by repelling the slag and slowing the diffusion of Mg2+.This accounts for the non-wetting behavior of the slag on MgO C refractory with 17% (mass fraction) carbon similar to that of graphite.

Oxidation Protection of MgO-C Monolithic Refractories with Tar-Resin Binder and Metal Antioxidants

The development of efficient bonding agents is one aspect of the advancement of refractories. Based on a newly developed binder system, a new generation of tarresin bonded magnesia carbon products with high performance has been developed. Furthermore, the binder system characterized by high carbon yield after carbonization results in forming an extremely strong carbon bonding. It can improve refractories properties to get new product with more advantages than old refractories： more economic, lower cost and low toxicity. Tar-resin is not only used in shaped refractories, but also in more refractories types, such as monolithic refractories. Immersion experiments of MgO- C monolithic refractories samples in liquid steel at 1600℃ have been carried out for steel making industry. These experiments showed the formation of a dense and continuous MgO rich layer, on the interface between refractory and steel, and the possible formation of inclusions as large clusters protruding from the refractory surface. For the mechanical properties, the powder was heated up to 1400℃ in air to remove carbon, and was subsequently formed into brick shape. Standard ASTM was used to determine the MOR, porosity and density. It is found that antioxidantmaterials play an important role in improving the mechanical properties.

Effect of micro-Al_(2)O_(3) powders on oxidation and corrosion behaviors of low-carbon MgO-C refractories

To solve the problem of poor high-temperature service performance caused by low carbonization of MgO-C refractories,low-carbon MgO–C refractories with excellent thermal shock,oxidation and corrosion resistances were successfully designed by using SiC whiskers as reinforcing phases and introducing micro-Al_(2)O_(3) powders as additives.The results indicated that the addition of micro-Al_(2)O_(3) powders optimized the internal structure of the material,like the columnar β-Si_(3)N_(4) with a stepped distribution and the mosaic structure formed between granular and flaky Mg_(2)SiO_(4),which synergistically strengthened and toughened the material and gave the material excellent mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance.Specifically,the cold modulus of rupture and cold crushing strength after thermal shock were increased by 4.1 and 20.3 MPa,respectively.Moreover,the addition of micro-Al_(2)O_(3) powders promoted the formation of fine particles of Mg_(2)SiO_(4),MgAl_(2)O_(4) and MgO,as well as a dense protective layer of Mg_(2)SiO_(4) in the material under high-temperature environment.Furthermore,spinel and high-temperature solid solution were formed in the corrosion environment.The oxidation and corrosion resistances were greatly improved by 41%and 15%,respectively.

Current Situation and Development of Refractories for Clean Steel Production

The low cost and high efficient clean steels metallur- gy has been focused much attention in China. Among the factors affecting the cleanliness and consequent quali- ty of steel products, refractories are one of the key fac- tors. Meanwhile the restriction of resource, energy and environment is getting stronger, thus the improvement of refractories becontes much more important. In this paper, refractories selection principle Jbr clean steel production according to their thermodynamic features was ex- plained; refractories for tundLsh and flow control in con- tinuous casting, which play important roles in prohibi- ring secondary contamination of molten steel, were intro- duced. Moreover, new development of low-carbon and carbon-free refractory materials was also described.

Research and development of recycling utilization of used refractories:A review

Due to thermal stability and excellent resistance to slag erosion,the used refractories can be recycled as the main raw material for some refractories.In this article the latest developments about used refractories in metallurgical industry has been reviewed,focusing on the results reported in the past decade.The research and reutilization methods of used refractories were discussed.For the research of used refractories,the results of two aspects,the performance and surface corrosion characteristics,are summarized.Then,the advances in research on recycling technology of several main kinds of used refractories,such as MgO-C,Al2O3-SiC-C,Al2O3-MgO-C,magnesium-chrome,and corundum-spinel refractories were summarized and discussed in detail.Some results of the author’s group were reported等线accompanied by these comments.The microstructure and chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectra,and the properties of the refractories were analyzed.Afterwards,the scope of application of materials was determined according to the classification and analysis of refractories.Finally,the large-scale application of used refractories and an outlook is given to future developments of the entire recycling industry.

Effect of B_4C on Oxidation Resistance of Low-Carbon MgO-C Materials

B4C was added into the low-carbon MgO-C materials in order to improve the oxidation resistance. The results show adding 0. 3wt% B4C can get the best oxidation resistance and adding 0. 2 wt% B4C can get the highest hot modulus of rupture. Altogether, adding 0. 2wt% B,C into the low-carbon MgO-C materials can get better oxidation resistance and hot strength.

Effect of stainless steel fibers on properties of MgO-C refractories

MgO-C refractories with stainless steel fibers were prepared to investigate the effects of stainless steel fibers addition on the thermal shock resistance,oxidation resistance,and microstructure of MgO-C refractories,and the optimum amount of stainless steel fibers was determined.The results showed that adding stainless steel fiber in MgO-C refractories can increase flexural strength and thermal shock resistance,with an optimal addition of 2 wt.%,owing to the bridging effect and crack deflection toughening of stainless steel fibers inside the material.The formation of MgAl1.9Fe0.1O4 composite spinel,which was responsible for higher oxidation resistance,produced volume expansion and prevented the diffusion of oxygen.The strengthening mechanism is physical embedding at room temperature,while it is reaction bonding at high temperature.

In-situ Formation of Spinel Fibers in MgO-C Refractory Matrixes

In-situ magnesia-rich spinel fiber was formed resulting from the addition of ferrocene into MgO-C refractory matrixes. The formation of in-situ spinel fiber was detected to start at 1300 ℃. The amount, diameter and length of the fibers increased with rising temperature. Ferrocene may have catalytic effects on the growth of the fibers in two aspects. First, the reaction between MgO and C and the decomposition of Al4C3 may be catalyzed at high temperature. Suitable concentration gaseous phase is then created for vapor-vapor reaction which could result in the in-situ formation of fibers. Second, Fe nanoparticle produced from ferrocene can act as catalytic droplets and catalyze the growth of the fibers. The fibers are formed via the vapor-liquid-solid and vapor-solid mechanisms. In terms of chemical thermodynamics, the partial pressure of CO and Mg（g） are found to play an important role in the in-situ fibers formation. Different concentration of vapors affects the size, amount and composition of the fibers at different temperatures. The mechanical properties of MgO-C brick was found to be improved by ferrocene addition.

Corrosion Resistance of MgO-C Based Refractory to Slag Containing Titania

The interaction between the slag containing titanium oxides(TiO2of 2.0 %-20.0%)and a MgO-C based refractory was investigated by immersion test.The relationship between TiO2 content in slag and corrosion rate of the refractory was studied.The microstructure and compositions of the corroded refractory were analyzed by SEM and X-ray diffraction.The corrosion mechanism of MgO-C based refractory in the slag containing titanium was proposed,and the effects of TiO2 content,slag basicity(ωCaO/ωSiO2)and temperature in molten bath on the corrosion rate of the refractory were obtained.

Recent progress in synthesis of composite powders and their applications in low-carbon refractories

The development of low-carbon refractories is of great significance,but it is limited by the deteriorated properties that resulted from the decreased graphite content.Incorporating composite powders has proved to be effective in improving the properties of low-carbon refractories.The recent progress in the synthesis of composite powders including modified graphite,nanocarbon-containing composite powders,oxide/non-oxide and non-oxide composite powders and their applications in low-carbon refractories were reviewed,and the future development of composite powder technology was prospected.

Effect of Al content in molten steel on interaction between MgO-C refractory and SPHC steel

The effect of Al content in molten steel on the interaction between SPHC steel(0.005-0.068 wt.%Al,and 19×10^(-4)-58×10^(-4)wt.%O)and MgO-C refractory(11.63 wt.%C)was investigated.Non-metallic inclusions in the steel were examined at various periods(0,5,15,30,45,and 60 min)as well as the MgO-C interface after 60 min of corrosion at 1600℃.The results show that when MgO-C refractory comes into contact with SPHC steel,the refractory interface consists of three layers arranged from the innermost to the outermost,including the original refractory layer,the dense MgO layer,and the iron infiltration layer.The carbon in the MgO-C refractories and the Al content in the molten steel undergo a reaction with the MgO in the refractories,resulting in an increase in Mg concentration in the steel.Increasing Al content in the molten steel from 0.005 to 0.068 wt.%causes a spinel layer to appear at the interface,and the disappearance time of Al_(2)O_(3) inclusions in the steel decreases from 60 to 30 min,while the average MgO content in inclusions increases.Therefore,controlling the Al content in the molten steel and the smelting duration can help regulate the formation of spinel inclusionsinthe steel.

Influences of Black Carbon Addition on Mechanical Performance of Low-Carbon MgO-C Composite

Carbon black-phenolic resin composite binders with various amounts of nanoscale carbon black were pre pared through adding KH 550 coupling agent and high-speed mixer. The effects of nanoscale carbon black amount added on viscosity of the composite binders were studied. Low-carbon MgO-C specimens were fabricated with these composite binders. Effects of nanoscale carbon black contents （0, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of phenolic resin in mass percent） on mechanical properties of low-carbon MgO-C specimens were investigated. The results revealed that the viscosity of the composite binder increased rapidly with increase of nanoscale carbon black content, and that CMOR, HMOR （high modulus of rupture） and CCS （cold crushing strength） of the specimens increased gradually with increase of nanoscale carbon black content as well.

A novel route to enhance high-temperature mechanical property and thermal shock resistance of low-carbon Mgo-C bricks by introducing ZrSiO_(4)

Conventional MgO-C bricks(graphite content>14 wt.%)produce a great deal of greenhouse gas emission,while low-carbon MgO-C bricks have serious thermal shock resistance during high-temperature service.To enhance the high-temperature mechanical property and thermal shock resistance of low-carbon MgO-C bricks,a novel route of introducing ZrSiO_(4) powder into low-carbon MgO-C bricks was reported in such refractories with 2 wt.% flaky graphite.The results indicate that the low-carbon MgO-C brick with 0.5 wt.%ZrSiO_(4) addition has the maximum hot modulus of rupture at 1400℃ and the corresponding specimen fired in the carbon embedded atmosphere has the maximum residual strength ratio(98.6%)after three thermal shock cycles.It is found that some needle-like AlON and plate-like Al_(2)O_(3)-ZrO_(2) composites were in situ formed in the matrices after the low-carbon MgO-C bricks were coked at 1400℃,which can enhance the high-temperature mechanical property and thermal shock resistance due to the effect of fiber toughening and particle toughening.Moreover,CO_(2) emission of the newly developed low-carbon MgO-C bricks is reduced by 58.3% per ton steel after using them as the working lining of a 90 t vacuum oxygen decarburization ladle.