Effect of Carbon Graphite on the Crystallization of Andalusite: Application to the Synthesis of Mullite and the Improvement of Refractory Quality

Chaouki Sadik, Iz-Eddine El Amrani, Abderrahman Albizane

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Hassan II, Mohammedia-Casablanca, Morocco.
Department of Earth Sciences, Scientific Institute, University Mohammed V Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2013.46044                

Abstract

Different mixtures of Moroccan silica-alumina geomaterials were used for the preparation of refractory ceramics. A formula of composition (M2) has allowed obtaining a good quality of refractory. Addition of a small quantity of carbon (1%) to the M2 formula has substantially improved the quality of the refractory. The morphological, textural and mineralogical evolution, through SEM and XRD shows that the addition of carbon, which plays a catalytic role, favors the crystallization of andalusite. Then, from 1200°C, the andalusite starts to transform to primary mullite needles. At 1400°C, the mullite becomes the major mineral phase beside cristobalite and vitreous phase.

Keywords

Refractory; Alumina-Silica; Andalusite; Mullite; Morocco

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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