Thermomechanical Properties and Cavitation Resistance of a High-Alumina Low-Cement Castable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties and level of cavitation damage to alumina-based low-cement castable. The effects of temperature treatment on some of the mechanical properties (strength, Young's modulus of elasticity) will be discussed. Cold crushing and flexural strength were determined using the standard laboratory procedures for destructive testing. The nondestructive methods such as ultrasonic measurements and image analysis were used for measuring the elasticity modulus and level of surface deterioration caused by cavitation testing. Cavitation damages in the alumina-based refractory specimens were induced by the modified vibratory cavitation setup. The rise of temperature treatment from room temperature to 1600°C resulted in strength increase by almost four times, with a slight drop occurring at 800°C. The values of Young's modulus were around 20 GPa at all stages of temperature treatment, with an obvious decrease at 800°C and 1200°C. Because the results show that the sintered low-cement castable exhibited very good resistance to the cavitation erosion, this material can be successfully used in the conditions where the cavitation resistance is needed.