Effect of Reactive-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Addition on the Pore Size Distribution and Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Blocks for Blast Furnace

Abstract

The effect of reactive-Al2O3 addition on the pore size distribution and thermal conductivity of carbon blocks for blast furnace was investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray, mercury porosimetry, and a laser thermal conductivity meter. The results showed that the pore size distribution and the thermal conductivity of carbon block were mainly influenced by SiC whiskers and reactive-Al2O3. With increasing addition of reactive-Al2O3, the mean pore diameter reduced and < 1μm pore volume increased of open pores owing to the more efficient filling of pores by SiC and reactive-Al2O3, and the thermal conductivities of samples increased due to the facts that the higher thermal conductivity of reactive-Al2O3 than that of brown corundum and the more formation amount of high thermal conductivity of SiC.