Lightweight corundum–spinel ladle wear lining castable with low thermal conductivity

Abstract

AbstractDesigning a lightweight wear‐lining refractory is of great significance for energy savings and consumption reduction. In this study, an in‐house manufactured porous alumina aggregate was selected to replace the commercial tabular alumina aggregate to prepare lightweight corundum–spinel castable (LCSC) for ladle linings. The effect of the porous alumina aggregate on the properties of the corundum–spinel castable was investigated. Compared to tabular alumina, porous alumina possesses higher closed porosity (12.1%) and a small pore size (4.25 µm). The thermal conductivity of LCSC is 21.5% lower than that of dense castable at 1000°C. Owing to the existence of micropores in the porous alumina, the fabricated corundum–spinel castable showed an improved degree of bonding between the aggregate and matrix. Therefore, the lightweight castable showed higher flexural strength and considerable slag corrosion resistance than the dense castable.