Thermal stability of an alumina-based refractory

Abstract

The thermal stability, dynamic Young's modulus of elasticity, anisotropy and damage level of a 42% alumina refractory material were investigated using a water-quench test. Thermal quenching of refractories leads to crack nucleation and propagation, which result in loss of strength. Ultrasonic velocity and strength change in the sample in two directions was used to describe the anisotropy of the sample and its influence on the thermal shock resistance of the material. The study suggests that the results of the sonic measurements could be used for prediction of damage level in samples caused by thermal shock.