Improvement in the properties of low carbon MgO-C refractories through the addition of graphite-SiC micro-composite

Graphite–SiC micro-composites have been prepared in–house by carbothermal reduction process. Controlling the process parameters including the weight ratio of SiO2 to graphite as well as carbothermal reduction temperature during the micro-composite preparation favors the homogeneous formation of SiC with preferred morphologies like ribbons and whiskers/fibers. The micro-composite modified low carbon MgO-C refractories have exhibited significantly improved bulk properties over the standard composition. To understand the beneficial role of SiC reinforcement on hot strength performance under air oxidizing conditions, we propose a scaling parameter known as strength factor (fs) based on the ratio of hot strength (HMOR) to cold strength (CCS). Correlating the strength factor data (fs) with oxidative damage provides new insights into the reinforcing effects of distinct SiC morphologies in this new class of micro-composite fortified refractory systems over the standard compositions.