Al2O3-SiC-C bricks have been widely used for torpedo cars since the 80's. Crack formation parallel to the hot face of the Al2O3-SiC-C bricks followed by the spalling of the affected portion has been the main reason for the premature wear of the refractories. Microstructure changes, combined with mechanical and thermal stresses, have been pointed out as the cause for the fracture of these materials. The current results of laboratory tests used for characterizing four Al2O3-SiC-C bricks indicated, for the evaluated conditions, that the kind of resin has significant effect on the properties of Al2O3-SiC-C bricks.
Refractory; spalling; resin; torpedo car
