Calcium aluminate cements (CAC) are the most used hydraulic binders in refractory castables. However the presence of CaO in the castable composition reduces the refractoriness in the Al2O3-SiO2 and Al2O3-MgO systems. In this context, colloidal silica has been pointed out as an important alternative for the CAC use because promotes, among another advantages, easier drying behavior and higher reactivity to the system. Previous works of the authors have indicated that the microsilica and hydratable alumina addition to colloidal silica containing castables can optimize their performance. Nevertheless, researches in these systems at high working temperatures (above 350 ºC) are scarce in the literature. In this work, the colloidal silica bonded castables behaviors at different working temperature were analyzed through the fired linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, mechanical strength and hot modulus of rupture. The obtained results were compared to the CAC containing castable compositions.
refractory castables; binder agents; colloidal silica; thermo-mechanical properties
