Study on the slag corrosion resistance of unfired Al2O3–SiC/β-Sialon/Ti(C, N)–C refractories

Al2O3–SiC–C refractories are widely used in the steelmaking process due to their outstanding properties, and in order to improve their slag corrosion resistance, the erosion resistant materials have often been used. β-Sialon and Ti(C, N) are point out as novel additives that present suitable properties to increase the corrosion resistance of refractories. In this study, unfired Al2O3–SiC/β-Sialon/Ti(C, N)–C refractories were prepared using Ti(C, N)/β-Sialon powders, brown alumina, SiC, micro α-Al2O3 powder, silica fume, ball pitch, calcium aluminate cement, aluminum and silicon as the starting materials. The effect of the Ti(C, N)/β-Sialon powders and SiC on the slag penetration and corrosion resistance of the refractories was investigated, and the slag resistance mechanisms of the Al2O3–SiC/β-Sialon/Ti(C, N)–C refractories were also discussed. Fractal theory, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS) were carried out in order to better understand the slag resistance effects and reaction mechanisms. The results showed that all samples made with Ti(C, N)/β-Sialon powders had excellent slag corrosion resistance. The slag corrosion resistance of the samples was based on their low apparent porosity and high volume density. The β-Sialon and SiC powders contributed to the improved slag corrosion resistance performance of the composite refractories.