Influence of Ti3AlC2 on corrosion resistance and microstructure of Al2O3-Ti3AlC2-C refractories in contact with ladle slag

Corrosion resistance and corroded microstructures of Al2O3-Ti3AlC2-C refractories containing different content of Ti3AlC2 (0, 2, 4 or 6 wt%) in ladle slag were investigated at 1550 °C for 3 h. Ti3AlC2 influenced their corrosion resistance by affecting corroded microstructures in slag/refractory interfaces and the path for steel/slag and gaseous penetration into inner refractory. A protective layer of CaAl2Si2O8-xAl2O3·yTiO2 was observed, which would isolate the refractory from the slag/atmosphere and trap Fe2O3/MnO from the slag. The decrease of Fe2O3/MnO in slag leads to a viscosity increase and thus suppressing slag penetration and extensive corrosion in turn. Moreover, a refine texture and pore size distribution by volumetric expansion of Ti3AlC2 oxidation is also block the path for further penetration. The formation mechanism of CaAl2Si2O8-xAl2O3·yTiO2 isolated layer in specimen was explained in this paper.