Role of Alumina Sol on the Physical Properties of Low Cement Castables

Abstract

This paper deals with the performance of alumina bearing sol, prepared through sol-gel route, when used as a bonding agent in low cement refractory castable composition. The physical properties of the samples prepared by different processing technique (tapping and vibration) are compared. The results indicate that the simple tapping technique may be a cost-effective solution in order to achieve desired high temperature properties. Also the increase in solid content by heat treatment of a particular sol upgrades its reactivity and improves the properties of a castable at elevated temperatures. XRD and SEM studies confirm the presence of corundum as a major phase and mullite as a minor.