Abstract
This paper deals with the performance of alumina sol, prepared from a cheaper precursor and used as a bonding agent in no-cement refractory castables fabricated by simple tapping technique. The physical properties of sol-bonded-castables indicate a significant improvement at elevated temperatures. The beneficial role of sol was confirmed by XRD and SEM studies when compared with similar compositions of castables cast with cement and water. It was also observed that complete rejection of cement in sol-bonded castables degrades the green strength of the materials.