Effect of MgO and Al2O3 on high temperature stability performance of high-alumina cement

Abstract High-alumina cement has an important position in refractory materials with its good performance at high temperatures, but its own disadvantages such as strength inversion and unstable transformation of hydration products have always limited its development. To clarify the working mechanism of high-alumina cement and improve its high temperature resistance, MgO and Al2O3 were added to the high-alumina cement paste. The optimal design method was used to determine the influence of each factor on the high temperature stability of the cement paste. The raw material ratios were optimized and the strength change patterns of the specimens under the optimal ratio were verified. From a microstructure perspective, the high temperature evolution of the hardened paste of high-alumina cement was explored using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the introduction of refractory powders, especially Al2O3, can significantly improve the volumetric stability of the cement paste at high temperatures. When the water-cement ratio is 0.20, the admixture of MgO is 5% or 10%, and Al2O3 is 20%, the high temperature volume stability of the cement paste is the best. However, its corresponding mechanical strength is weakened to some extent with an increase in calcinating temperature. Moreover, the structure-property evolution process of cementite under high temperature calcinating conditions was verified by microstructural characterization, especially the improvement effect of the refractory powder on the high temperature resistance of the cement paste. The results of this study can serve as a guide for the development of high-alumina cement and its cementing materials, as well as for the improvement of their properties.