The Effect of Nano-Magnesia Particles on the Properties of High-Alumina Low-Cement Self-Flowing Castables

In this paper, the effect of nano-magnesia particles on the self-flow characteristics of high-alumina low-cement self-flowing refractory castables has investigated. For this reason, reactive alumina is substituted by nano-magnesia particles in 0-2 wt.% range and the flow and setting behavior of these castables have tested. Also, major physical (B.D and A.P), mechanical properties (C.C.S and M.O.R), phase analysis (XRD) and microstructure (SEM) of these castables have evaluated. The results showed that with increase of nano-magnesia particles with high surface area, the self-flow value and working time tend to decrease. Also, the mechanical strength of these castables after drying is enhanced with increase of these particles in castable composition by pores filling between coarse particles. As a result of using nanometer-sized magnesia particles with high surface area, the higher amount of spinel phase can be formed at lower temperatures 1250 °C). Increasing of porosity and then, decreasing of strength can occur with formation of expanding spinel phase.