International Journal of Iron & Steel Society of Iran

International Journal of Iron & Steel Society of Iran

Comparative Study of Synthesis Approaches for MgAl2O4 as a Refractory Material

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
S. M. Rafiaei
S. E. Aghili
Materials Engineering Group, Golpayegan College of Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Golpayegan, Iran
10.22034/ijissi.2026.2069591.1326
Abstract
MgAl2O4 is one of the most concentrated spinels, which possesses many applications as an important refractory compound in the fields of steel-making industries. In this research, MgAl2O4 refractory materials were synthesized via the employment of combustion and solid-state approaches. To produce this material through combustion synthesis, aniline was used as a fuel. The XRD spectra showed that the synthesized materials via combustion approach include amorphous products while well crystallized cubic phases are formed within solid-state procedure. The SEM images indicated that the utilization of combustion and solid-state approaches leads to the production of MgAl2O4 materials with the average particle sizes of 40 nm and 70 μm, respectively. The DTA/TGA results of the combustion synthesized MgAl2O4 confirmed a considerable weight loss of 15.1 % within heating to 550 °C. Additionally, the exothermic peaks at 126 and 380 °C are related to the elimination of the organic compounds of the combustion-synthesized materials. Based on the obtained results, although both combustion and solid-state approaches can successfully synthesize MgAl2O4 refractory materials, the combustion method is more recommended due to its ability to produce finer, uniform nano-sized particles with higher surface area and reduced agglomeration problems, making it a superior route for refractory applications.
Keywords
Combustion
Solid-State
Refractory Materials
MgAl2O4
Nano-Materials
Subjects
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