Investigating the Action Mechanism of Titanium in Alumina–Magnesia Castables by Adding Different Ti-Bearing Compounds.

To investigate the action mechanism of titanium, the effects of different Ti-bearing compounds, including CaTiO3, MgTiO3, and nano-TiO2, on the properties of alumina–magnesia castables were studied. By analyzing the phase compositions, microstructures, and physical and mechanical properties of the castables, it was demonstrated that an intermediate product, CaTiO3, was first generated. This was then consumed by solid-solution reactions, and titanium was involved in the liquid formation as the temperature increased. The solid-solution reaction of CA6 (CaAl12O19) was more prominent due to the incorporation of more titanium in the crystal lattice of CA6 instead of spinel (MgAl2O4). Moreover, the liquid formation was strongly promoted when more titanium accompanied the calcium, which finally accelerated the densification and improved the strengths of alumina–magnesia castables. On the whole, castables with CaTiO3 addition presented higher bulk density and excellent strength after the heat treatment. Besides, the castables with 2 wt.% CaTiO3 contents were estimated to possess greater thermal shock resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]