Structural properties of Al2O3-MgO-C refractory composites improved with YAG nanoparticle hybridized expandable graphite

The structural properties of Al2O3-MgO-C refractories were measured with the addition of YAG nanoparticle hybridized expandable graphite (EG) powder as a partial replacement of graphite in the refractory composition. The experimental findings showed that the refractories fabricated with YAG nanoparticle hybridized EG exhibited a considerable improvement in structural properties (strength, toughness, Weibull modulus) as compared to that of refractories developed with conventional graphite compositions. These improvements in structural properties can be attributed to the formation of a well-sintered framework of EG embedded polyhedral YAG grains throughout the matrix microstructure of these new class of refractory composites. Mechanisms of microstructure evaluation and toughening in Al2O3-MgO-C refractory composites are proposed.

Automated summary

The structural properties of Al2O3-MgO-C refractories were significantly improved by adding YAG nanoparticle hybridized expandable graphite (EG), resulting in a well-sintered framework of EG embedded polyhedral YAG grains throughout the matrix microstructure. This led to enhancements in strength, toughness, and Weibull modulus compared to conventional graphite compositions, with proposed mechanisms for microstructure evaluation and toughening in these refractory composites.