Cement-Free Refractory Concretes. Part 8. Features of the Structure, Sintering, and Mullitization of High-Alumina Matrix Systems.sup.1

The mechanism of contact interactions between a sintered matrix system and a constant volume (unsintered) filler in refractory concretes is considered. On this basis possible types of crack development within them and the nature of crack formation are presented. In the majority of cases a shrinkage free matrix structure is the optimum for a CFRC. On the example of high-alumina or corundum ceramic concretes prepared using matrix systems based on HCBS in the Al.sub.2O.sub.3-SiO.sub.2 system, the possibility of obtaining CFRC with a high degree of volume constancy is demonstrated. This effect is achieved due to occurrence of mullitization accompanied by growth that compensates for shrinkage.