Effects of Porosity on Durability in a Porous Nozzle for Continuous Casting

This study investigates the effects of porosity on the thermal stability and the thermal shock resistance of a porous nozzle used for blowing an inert gas. The samples of $Al_2O_3-SiO_2-ZrO_2$ system, which had the apparent porosity of 16~30% and bulk density of $2.6{\sim}3.2g/cm^3$, were prepared by adding different graphite contents (5, 10, 20 wt%) as a pore-forming agent. The thermal shock test was conducted at ${\Delta}T=500$, 1000, and $1400^{\circ}C$ also and the thermal stability was also carried out at 1550, 1600, and $1650^{\circ}C$ for 5 hrs. The specimen contained 10 wt% graphite had uniform pore size distribution, whereas the specimen with 20 wt% graphite showed non-uniform pore size distribution. As a result of thermal shock test, the specimen containing 10 wt% graphite appears to have higher mechanical strength than the other specimens (5, 20 wt% graphite). Both the 5 wt% and 20 wt% graphite specimens developed a non-uniform pore size distribution and cracks that were generated by intensive thermal stress.

연속주조용 Porous Nozzle의 기공율이 내구성에 미치는 영향