Constitution and properties of stabilised Dolomites

In an earlier report some aspects of stabilisation of Indian dolomites were discussed. Stabilised dolomite refractories consist mainly of periclase, tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate and one or more of minerals such as brown-millerite, tricalcium aluminate, dicalcium ferrite, magnesio-ferrite and spinel in smaller quantities; the latter group constitutes the matrix of the refractory body and helps in sintering giving strength to the fired product. These constituents are usually kept low so as to avoid loss of refractories. A literature survey has shown that even though requisite refractory and physical properties of some stabilised dolomites are obtainable, little systematic study appears to have been done on the variations of mineral composition on these properties. The mineral composition of stabilised dolomites can be varied within wide limits and it was envisaged that such variations could have a profound effect on the properties of the finished refractory composition.