Investigation of the effect of steelmaking slag on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spinel-reinforced magnesia mass

Subject Areas : Journal of New Applied and Computational Findings in Mechanical Systems

omid khojastezade ¹ , Zohre Balak ^{2 *}

1 - Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
2 -

Received: 2025-04-22 Accepted : 2025-07-15 Published : 2025-07-19

Keywords: Magnesium mass, Spinel, Electric arc furnace, molten metal discharge outlet,

Abstract :

Today, the use of magnesia has become widespread due to its favorable properties and the need of various industries for alkaline refractories. However, it has some weaknesses, such as low thermal shock resistance. To address these issues, synthetic magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) is used as an additive. Magnesium aluminate spinel, with a high melting point (approximately 2135°C), significantly improves the physical, mechanical, thermodynamic, and thermomechanical properties of magnesia-based refractories, particularly in cold compressive and flexural strength, creep resistance under load, thermal shock resistance, and wear resistance. This additive absorbs harmful impurities like iron oxide (Fe2O3) and prevents the formation of low-melting phases caused by impurities. Additionally, the mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficient between periclase (MgO) and spinel phases leads to the formation of microcracks and tensile stresses around the spinel grains, which enhances the strength and resistance of the samples. However, an excessive amount of spinel can lead to a decrease in properties due to excessive microcracking. In this study, synthetic spinel was used to improve the mechanical properties and increase the creep resistance of magnesia refractory bodies. The results showed that the optimal amount of spinel is 20% by weight. Phase and microstructural analyses using XRD and SEM also indicated that the magnesium aluminate phase predominantly forms at grain boundaries.

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