Densification and Properties of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles added CaO Refractories

Up to 8 wt. % of Nano-iron oxide was added to CaO refractory matrix. The crystalline phases and microstructure characteristics of specimens sintered at 1650 degrees C for 5 h in an electric furnace were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The physical properties are reported in terms of bulk density, apparent porosity and hydration resistance. The mechanical behavior was studied by a cold crushing strength (CCS) and flexural strength at 1200 degrees C test. As a result, it was found that the presence of Nano-iron oxide in the CaO refractory matrix induced 2CaO center dot Fe2O3 (C2F), CaO center dot Fe2O3 (CF) and 3CaO center dot Al2O3 (C(3)A) phase's formation, which improved the sintering process. Nano iron oxide also influenced the bonding structure through a direct bonding enhancement. On the Other hand, the presence of Nano-iron oxide resulting in improvement properties of CaO refractory matrix refractories such as bulk density, hydration resistance and cold crushing strength. The maximum flexural strength at 1200 degrees C is achieved by the samples containing 4 wt. % nano-Fe2O3. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.