Preparation and characterization of low-cost refractories for aluminum-melting-furnace linings from ferrotitanium slag

Management and utilization of solid waste are necessary for sustainable development in the metallurgical industry. This study focuses on the use of ferrotitanium slag (FTS) as a low-cost source of hibonite in the refractory lining of an aluminum-melting furnace. FTS enhances the resistance of castable samples to cryolite melt penetration but reduces their bulk density and cold mechanical strength . To explain this enhancement mechanism, we present a model in which the Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 components in the castable samples react with the cryolite melt to form a high-viscosity barrier layer against the molten cryolite. Moreover, the well-developed calcium hexaaluminate crystals in FTS, which show excellent resistance against Na + and F − , prevent the penetration of cryolite melt through the FTS aggregate area, and reduce the penetration speed. By promoting high-efficiency resource utilization, this study contributes to the development of a circular economy in the metallurgical industry.