SiC fines effects on the microstructure and properties of bauxite-based low-cement refractory castables

In the present paper, the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) fines was studied on the phase and microstructural properties of bauxite-based low-cement refractory castables (LCC) at different firing temperatures. XRD and SEM techniques were employed to evaluate phase and microstructure analysis, and physical/mechanical properties were measured according to standard methods. The results showed that the oxidation of SiC particles related to the oxygen partial pressure and active/passive oxidation behavior of SiC fines could markedly affect the microstructure and properties of bauxite-based LCC fired at high temperatures. Despite the negative influence of addition of SiC fines on cold mechanical strength, its usage up to 6 wt% could greatly improve the thermomechanical properties of LCC refractories due to increasing of matrix refractoriness.