Strength Behaviour Of Alumina-Based Refractories After Thermal Cycling

The effects of oxide impurities on the strength of alumina-based refractories after thermal cycling have been investigated using the water quench test. Aluminous, high alumina and alumina-chrome samples were tested. The experimental damage was characterised by visual inspection and determining the residual physical and mechanical properites. The results show that the thermal stability of alumina-based refractories strongly depends on the oxide impurities present. High oxide impurity content reduced the thermal shock resistance of alumina refractories investigated. Alumina-chrome had the least strength after thermal cycling followed by high alumina and aluminous bricks, respectively.