Characterization of Converter Refractories for Recycling

Abstract

The lining of steel converters and ladles consists of magnesia-graphite refractories. The steel industry is the biggest consumer of refractories, about 70% of the total production of these materials. For this reason, it is very important to recycle them for the production process. The aim of this work is to carry out the physicochemical and microstructural characterization of post-mortem magnesia-graphite refractories from a steel plant, in order to achieve their incorporation to the manufacture of ceramic masonry to be used in the construction industry. The obtained results indicate acceptable properties in these industrial wastes in relation to the physicochemical and environmental characteristics and the feasibility of reusing them in the mentioned applications.