DFG 465144480: Boron-free self-glazing Al₂O₃-C refractories

Abstract

Al₂O₃-C refractories are extensively used as functional components in the continuous casting of steel. These high-duty products such as submerged entry nozzles, ladle shrouds, and monoblock stoppers contain up to 30 wt.-% carbon and present excellent mechanical, thermal and chemical properties, enabling the cost- and quality-effective implementation of the continuous casting process. Ceramic glazes are externally applied on Al₂O₃-C flow control refractory products to protect carbon from oxidation. These glazes typically contain boron. However, the increasing requirements for clean steel technology along with environmental- and health issues associated with boron compounds will make the utilization of boron-free glazes a necessity in the upcoming years. New boron-free self-glazing Al₂O₃-C formulations with sodium carbonate, wollastonite and magnesia additives were developed with the assistance of the FactSage software tool. These compositions presented a softening point in the range of 1000-1100 °C for self-glaze formation, which is the typical preheating temperature range for Al₂O₃-C functional refractory products. In addition, the influence of particle packing on their oxidation resistance was investigated, based on established particle size distribution models.