The composition and microstructure of microcrystalline graphite were studied by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetry, SEM and energy dispersive analysis in this paper. The chemical composition of ash in microcrystalline graphite was also analysed in the study. The microcrystalline graphite was introduced in MgO–C refractories fabrication to investigate the influence of microcrystalline graphite on the main properties of MgO–C refractories. The oxidation resistance, thermal shock resistance, hot bending strength and expansion rate of MgO–C samples with microcrystalline graphite and flake graphite were investigated in this study. It is indicated that the proper addition amount of microcrystalline graphite in MgO–C refractories should be no more than 4 wt-%.
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