CO disintegration of stainless steel fiber-reinforced refractory castables

The effects of stainless steel fiber additions on the resistance of refractory castables to CO and steam were investigated. A series of high and intermediate alumina calcium aluminate-bonded castables was prepared containing several commercial stainless steel fibers. Compressive strength and abrasion resistance of the castables following exposure to high pressure carbon monoxide and steam at 500/sup 0/C were comparable to those of samples without stainless steel fibers. The addition of stainless steel fibers to refractory castables did not change the CO resistance of the castables unless they were fired in air before CO exposure. Airfiring creates oxide layer so the fibers which ultimately causes castable disintegration.