The Role of SiC and Different Binders on Mechanical Strength and Compaction of Silica Based Refractories Materials

Silica refractory bricks are used especially in the metallurgical industries, due to desirable properties such as high melting point, rigidity, and high temperatures strength. In this research, different amount of SiC were added to Silica refractory containing different binders such as Borax, Boric acid, Calcium nitride, Sodium tri poly phosphate, Sodium hexa meta phosphate (SHMP) and lime. Physical properties (density and porosity), mechanical properties (cold crush strength, CCS) and microstructure were studied. This study indicated that SiC improves the physical and mechanical properties. In general, increasing SiC with different binders improve the mechanical and compaction in the samples. Silica refractory sample containing 20 %wt. SiC and 5 % wt. borax as a binder had the best results of mechanical strength and compaction. In this sample, glassy phases fill the voids and increase temperature between particles. In fact, glass phase formation increases compaction, density, and strength.