Analytical Characterization of a Magnesia–Graphite Refractory

Abstract

Magnesia–graphite refractories are currently essential for the iron and steel industry. As a result, their physico-chemical characterization is crucial with a view to predicting their service life. In this work, a methodology for the complete analytical characterization of such materials has been developed. Magnesia– graphite refractories generally contain elemental phases (C, Si, and Al), non-oxide and oxide inorganic phases (SiC, MgO, and Al2O3), organic phase (binders), and various additives and impurities. Consequently, their chemical characterization is especially difficult and requires the joint use of the following techniques: X-ray diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy, flame emission, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, gravimetry, and C/S elemental analyzer (LECO). The data obtained by the different techniques match satisfactorily and provide validity to the methodology developed. The results obtained for each element analyzed, and the precision of each determination method used, are quite acceptable.