MgO-C Refractories: A Detailed Review of These Irreplaceable Refractories in Steelmaking

Abstract: This paper reviews the raw materials, additives, general properties, oxidation and corrosion of MgO-C refractories, which are irreplaceable in the steelmaking process. Because it is a composite refractory, it benefits from the combined properties of magnesia and carbon. High-purity magnesia aggregates (fused as well as sintered), graphite as a carbon source, additives like antioxidants (primarily metal powders) and organic binders (resins) are used in manufacturing MgO-C refractories. The properties of the refractories may be tuned as per application demands by varying their carbon content. MgO-C refractories are majorly used in steelmaking converters for the entire lining of basic oxygen furnaces, electric arc furnaces, steel ladles and secondary steelmaking.