Production and Characterization of Alumina Zircon Refractory: Using a Clay Binder

Student: Rachael Tiam (Project, 2025)
Department of Glass Technology
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

This study investigates the production and characterization of alumina-zircon refractory composites using a clay binder, focusing on the effects of clay content on micro-structure, mechanical, and thermal properties. Alumina (Al2O3) and zircon (ZrO2) powders were mixed with varying amounts of clay binder (5-15 wt%) and sintered at 1400°C. The physical and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated using Porosity and mechanical strength testing. Samples 2 and 3 which had 10 & 12% Clay content showed the highest MOR and Porosity scores. While the samples with 5 and 15% clay content showed less Porosity and MOR. This goes to show the importance of optimal binder percentage.

Keywords
binder content mechanical porosity production characterization alumina zircon refractory composites
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