Influence of Glassy Matrix on the Service Performance of the Aluminous Refractories

Abstract

While a fair reflection of the characteristics of the refractories may be obtained by the normal tests given in various standard specifications, they are inadequate to explain the actual difference in the durability under service conditions of apparently similar bricks supplied by different manufacturers to meet the same specification. The service conditions bring in certain intangibles owing to the degree of vitrification and continuation of mineralogical changes depending on the method of manufacture and the nature of the constituents. Consequently, a proper appraisal of the refractories requires further tests which simulate service conditions.The aluminous refractories used in the soaking pit covers are subjected to the combined effect of high temperature and ferruginous fumes. When these bricks failed, the nature of their failure was studied over a period of ten years to understand the difference between the bricks.The investigations included studies of viscous flow, plastic deformation, creep or chan...