A novel Al_2O_3-based refractory aggregate with closed-pore structure was fabricated utilizing superplasticity with submicro-sized Al_2O_3 and MgO as raw materials,and SiC as a high temperature pore-forming agent.The effect of MgO on porosity,phase composition and microstructure of the refractory aggregate has been investigated. For comparison,the common Al_2O_3-based refractory aggregates and porous ones with open-pore structure were also prepared. The results indicate that the closed porosity of Al_2O_3-based refractory aggregate increases as the content of MgO increases. When the content of MgO is 15 mass%,the closed and apparent porosities are 14. 5% and 1. 1%,respectively. The main phase compositions are Al_2O_3 and MgAl_2O_4. The formation mechanism of closed pores is that the fine-crystallinegrain Al_2O_3 ceramic possesses superplastic deformation ability after adding MgO at high temperatures. When SiC powder is added to the Al_2O_3 ceramic,the generated gases by the reaction of SiC at the sintering temperature can provide a pressure to make grain boundaries slide. Then,the gases are enclosed by crystalline grains to form the closed pores. The slag corrosion resistance of the fabricated closed-pore Al_2O_3-based refractory aggregate is better than the common refractory aggregate and porous ones.
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