Study on preformed and in situ spinel containing alumina castable for steel ladle: Effect of fume silica content

Abstract In the present study, the effect of fume silica content on preformed and in situ spinel containing alumina spinel castable was studied by varying fume silica content at 1 and 4 wt.%. Spinel content for preformed alumina spinel castables varied from 10 to 30 wt.% and MgO content for in situ alumina spinel castables varied from 2.8 to 8.4 wt.%, respectively, and the distribution coefficient ( q value) was maintained at .21 and .29 as per Dinger and Funk model. Different castable compositions were processed as per conventional processing technique and further evaluated for densification and strength studies after heat treatment at 110, 1000, and 1550°C. Fired samples at 1550°C were further evaluated for the hot modulus of rupture study at 1400°C and phase analysis study of the matrix phase. Also, the fired samples were studied for microstructural evaluation.