Production of Forsterite Refractories using Serpentine and Dunite as raw materials: Part IV- Improvement of the properties of Forsterite Refractories

The influence of composition on the properties of forsterite refractories has been studied with a view to developing highly refractory, spalling-resistant forsterite refractories. To this end, several minor constituent were introduced and their influence studied. Addition of rutile or other titanate minerals, resulted in an improvement of spalling resistance at the expense of refractoriness under load, the reduction of which appeared to be due to a shift of the effective composition to lower MgO levels. Addition of magnesia counter-acted the effect, periclase formation favouring high values of refractoriness under load. A study of the properties of compositions in the field 2MgO-SiO2-TiO2 was eminently suited for the development of highly refractory, spalling resistant forsterite refractories. It was found that the additions were best made via grog.