The influence of zircon on the mechanical properties and thermal shock behaviour of slip-cast alumina-mullite refractories

Mechanical properties of slip-cast alumina-mullite (AM) refractories were improved significantly by the addition of similar to 2-mu-m zircon (ZrSiO4) particles. Fracture behaviour showed mainly transgranular, with some intergranular, fracture. R parameter showed that there was a marked incline in resistance to fracture initiation. Thermal shock tests confirmed that the retained strength and Young's modulus of alumina-mullite-zircon refractories were improved by increasing the quench temperature, indicating higher resistance to crack propagation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.