The Effect of Nano-magnesia Addition on the Properties of Magnesite-hercynite Refractory Bricks Made with the Use of Convertor Mud

In this study, the composition of magnesium aluminate spinle and the converter mud were used as raw materials to in-situ formation of hercynite phase in magnesite-hercynite refractory bricks. The pressed samples were sintered at 1400 and 1500℃ and then, the phase composition of bricks was evaluated after firing at 1400℃. Besides, the effect of nano-magnesia particles addition on the properties of magnesia-hercynite refractory bricks was examined. Hence, the physical peroperties, thermal shock resistance and microstructure of refractory bricks were evaluated. The phase composition results showed that hercynite is well-formed in the refractory matrix, which leads to bonding formation and its increase between magnesia particles. The evaluation of results indicated that the addition of nano-magnesia particles can reduce the porosity of brick via increasing particles packing. In this relation, 1 wt. % nano-magnesia addition was determined as optimum content. Further addition of nano-magnesia leads to increasing of porosity via agglomeration of particles. Due to the high surface area of used nano-magnesia particles, the adequate sintering of refractory brick containing nano-magnesia take places at 1400℃. This leads to increasing of particles bonding and then, increasing mechanical strength, but it can not affect the thermal shock resistance of refractory bricks. The microstructural evaluations showed the lower porosity and further particles bonding with addition of nano-magnesia optimum content.