Abstract
Hydrated magnesium aluminate gel additive, prepared by the sol gel route from cheaper precursors, was characterized by X ray diffraction, Infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, Particle size distribution and utilized in a high alumina based refractory castable to obtain in situ spinel bonds. A commercially available more expensive presintered spinel powder was also characterized and incorporated to the same castable composition. The properties related to the performance of these two kinds of spinel-alumina castables, e.g. Bulk density, Apparent porosity, Cold crushing strength, Thermal shock, Flexural strength, Volume change and Slag corrosion resistance were studied. XRD, Scanning electron microscopy and