Suitability of different grades of fused magnesia for magnesia-carbon refractories for critical applications

In the process of globalization, China has opened up to the international market with its huge mineral resources. As a result, refractory industries world over are flooded with Chinese "fused magnesia" in different brand names, viz. 99, 98, 97, 96 and 93 Fused magnesia. The cost of fused magnesia has increased with gradual increase in wt% of MgO. Two techno-economic brands are available commercially with a difference in price of approximately Rs 2000 per MT. In the present investigation, the chemistry, grain porosity (% apparent porosity), grain bulk density (BD) and crystal size of both 97 and 98 Fused magnesia from different Chinese suppliers have been studied over a period of time. From this study, it evolves that 97 Fused magnesia with modified specification will be a better option than 98 Fused magnesia to make quality magnesia-carbon bricks at a lower price.