Calcium aluminate cement in castable alumina: From hydrate bonding to the in situ formation of calcium hexaluminate

Rafael Salomão, Mirian A. Kawamura, Ana B.V. Emilio, José Sakihama, Ana M. Segadães

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Calcium hexaluminate (CA6) is an intrinsically densification-resistant material, therefore, its porous structures are key materials for applications as high-temperature thermal insulators. This article reports on the combination of calcined alumina and calcium aluminate cement (CAC) in castable aqueous suspensions for the in situ production of porous CA6. The CAC content (10–34 vol%) and the curing conditions ensure structural integrity prior to sintering and maximize the development of hydrated phases. Changes in physical properties, crystalline phases, and microstructure were investigated after isothermal treatments (120–1500 °C), and three sequential porogenic events were observed. The hydration of CAC preserved the water-derived pores (up to 120 °C), and the dehydroxylation of CAC hydrates (250–700 °C) generated inter-particles pores. Moreover, the in situ expansive formation of CA2 and CA6 (900–1500 °C) hindered densification and generated intra-particle pores. Such events differed from those observed with other CaO sources, and resulted in significantly higher pores content and lower thermal conductivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15082-15093
Number of pages12
JournalCeramics International
Volume47
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alumina
  • Calcium aluminate cement
  • Calcium hexaluminate
  • Porous ceramics

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