Optimized mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of low carbon Al2O3-C refractories through Ti3AlC2 addition

Abstract The mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of the Al2O3-C refractories are of critical importance for iron and steel making processes. However, the evaporation of antioxidants related phases such as Al(g), Si(g), and SiO(g) would deteriorate these properties, especially during high-temperature treatment/application. Therefore, in the present work, a small amount of Ti3AlC2 compared with Al was introduced to overcome these problems. The phase compositions, microstructures, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance of Ti3AlC2 containing refractories were investigated. The partial oxidation of Ti3AlC2 led to inherited lamellar structures such as Ti3Al1-xC2, TiC, and granular Al2TiO5 phases. The controlled oxidation of Ti3AlC2 and its volume expansion contributed to the compact-structure, thereby limiting the escape of Si and SiO vapors at high temperatures. Consequently, the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of Ti3AlC2 containing Al2O3-C refractories treated at 1600 ℃ were improved.