Use of alumina dispersant in alumina-spinel castable: Comparison between in situ and preformed spinels

The role of alumina dispersant as a flow modifier, completely replacing fume silica, on the properties of preformed and in situ spinel-containing low cement high alumina castables was investigated with variations in spinel content and granulometry. Both 10 and 20 wt.% spinel-containing compositions were prepared using preformed spinel or magnesia in alumina castable compositions with vibratable and self-flowing consistency. The castables underwent conventional processing methods and accessed for various refractory-related parameters post-heat treatments. No glassy phase was observed in the castables upon firing. The presence of self-flowing consistency led to improved characteristics. Preformed spinel-containing compositions showed improved density, strength, hot strength, and thermal shock resistance properties, whereas slag corrosion and penetration resistances were found to be higher for in situ spinel-containing castable.