Impact of Sintering Temperatures on Microstructure, Porosity and Mechanical Strength of Refractory Brick

Abstract

Riyom clay sample was investigated and have porosity of 18.6 %, firing shrinkage of 7.8 %, bulk density 2.2 g/cm3 and cold crushing strength. Chemical composition was analyzed using the XRF. The refractoriness of the fireclay was 1621 °C. The thermal shock resistance was up to 25 cycles. The apparent porosity fell within the standard value of 10-30 % for refractory fireclay bricks. The investigation proved that the Riyom clay deposit belong to the alumino-silicate group of bricks. The clay is therefore, suitable for production of refractory bricks for furnace lining.