Influence of MgO-C recyclate on the thermo-mechanical compression behavior of commercial MgO-C refractory bricks

In the present study, various thermo-mechanical tests under compressive load were performed on commercial MgO-C refractory brick grades over a wide temperature range up to 1600 °C in an argon atmosphere. The focus of the present study was the assessment of the influence of the incorporation of MgO-C recyclate on the thermo-mechanical behavior. Therefore, one MgO-C brick grade contained only fresh raw materials, while the other grade included MgO-C recyclate with a high mass fraction of 47.5 wt%. Subsequent investigations, including scanning electron microscopy and porosity analyses, provided insights into the mechanisms occurring within the material during the thermo-mechanical tests. The incorporation of MgO-C recyclate led to an improvement in the thermo-mechanical properties, as increased compressive strength values were observed within the tested temperature range, along with enhanced creep resistance and improved behavior in the refractoriness under load tests. • Commercial MgO-C brick containing MgO-C recyclate showed enhanced creep resistance. • Higher compressive strength from RT to 1300 °C vs. MgO-C grade without recyclate. • Improved refractoriness under load of MgO-C grade with recyclate. • Improved adhesion of MgO-C recyclates to carbonaceous matrix compared to raw MgO.