Role of nanometric titania on the properties of spinel castable

摘要

Nanometric titania is synthesized through inorganic sol-gel route followed by ultrasonification. Addition of this nana titania in low cement spinel castable refractories improves the bulk density, compressive strength and spatting resistance due to formation of consolidated flexible matrix of castables at high temperature. In the present investigation, white tabular alumina aggregate, dead burnt magnesia, calcium aluminate cement bond material, microfine alumina, microsilica and nanometric titania are utilized in the formulation of the castable batch. The important properties like bulk density, apparent porosity, linear change, cold crushing strength before and after thermal spoiling of castables are investigated. Atomic force microscopy is used to characterize nanometric titania. Phases formed in the castables are identified by X-ray diffraction studies. SEM analysis has been done to understand the microstructure of the castables.