Functionalized Cellular Carbon-MgO Composites: From Interface Processing to Thermal Shock Resistant Low-Carbon MgO-C Refractories

Carbon-containing refractories have received great attention over the last years, as they are widely used in steel making industry due to their superior properties, such as high thermal shock resistance, high fracture energies in the high-temperature range, and high slag resistance. However, their main disadvantage is the carbon oxidation associated with considerable CO2 emissions. Aiming to improve carbon oxidation resistivity whilst maintaining improved thermomechanical characteristics, reinforced, and functionalized cellular carbon MgO-C (FCC-MgO-C) refractories are investigated. Experimentally determined thermomechanical data are used to model final crack density characteristics based on an extended Hasselman's thermal shock theory approach. Data calculated are compared with those of pitch-bonded MgO-C refractories. The dominant influence of functionalization and tailoring of microstructural phase constitution is reflected in increased fracture energies during crack propagation after thermal shock treatment.