Development and evolution of a novel (Zr1-xSnx)O2 toughened alumina-mullite slip cast refractory: Effect of SnO2

Zr1-xSnxO2 reinforced alumina-mullite refractory was manufactured by slip cast methods using SnO2 as a sintering agent. had considerable influence in the enhanced reaction kinetics of zircon dissociation and subsequent alumina zircon. Presence pro-eutectic transient Al2O3-SnO2 liquid SnO2-SiO2-ZrO2 amorphous phases, densification mullitisation through phase and, mitigated volatilisation (Zr1-xSnx)O2 solid-solution formation. Based on their morphology aspect ratios, three types mullite crystals, MI, MII MIII, were evolved across matrix microstructure. Characterization microstructure revealed coalescence grain growth grains including presence an acicular tertiary MIII which acts both reinforcement bridging network to aggregate grains. effect lowering monoclinic – tetragonal transformation temperature. Hot flexural strength values remained nearly unchanged (±2%) compared with AZS composition without doping.