Refractory & Abrasive · Fused in Electric Arc Furnace

Brown Fused Alumina (BFA)

棕刚玉 · Brown Corundum · Brown Aluminium Oxide

Al₂O₃ ≥ 95% · Mohs 9 · Tough and self-sharpening

Brown fused alumina is produced by fusing high-grade bauxite with coke and iron filings in an electric arc furnace at over 2000 °C. The result is a tough, dense, self-sharpening abrasive and a stable refractory aggregate with excellent thermal-shock resistance.

At a Glance

Al₂O₃≥ 95%
Fe₂O₃≤ 0.3%
HardnessMohs 9
GritsF12–F220 + 0–5mm
FOB China$600–900 / MT
OriginHenan / Shanxi

Product Overview

Brown fused alumina (BFA), also called brown corundum, is the workhorse abrasive and refractory aggregate of the aluminium-oxide family. By fusing calcined bauxite with carbon and iron in an electric arc furnace, impurities are reduced out and the melt crystallises into a tough, blocky α-alumina grain with a hardness of Mohs 9 — second only to silicon carbide and diamond among common industrial materials.

Its blend of high hardness, moderate toughness and self-sharpening fracture makes BFA ideal for bonded grinding wheels, coated abrasives (sandpaper, flap discs) and surface-prep blasting. The same chemical and thermal stability — Al₂O₃ ≥ 95% with low fluxing impurities — also makes coarse BFA an excellent aggregate for refractory castables, ramming masses and steel-ladle linings.

Global Vista supplies both abrasive-grade (tight FEPA grit control) and refractory-grade (0–1/1–3/3–5mm and micro-powder) brown fused alumina from established producers in Henan and Shanxi. For higher-purity precision work, see our white fused alumina.

Technical Specifications

ParameterTypical / Guaranteed Value
Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃)≥ 95%
Titanium Oxide (TiO₂)1.5–3.8%
Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃)≤ 0.3%
Silicon Oxide (SiO₂)≤ 1.5%
HardnessMohs 9 (~2000 Knoop)
Melting Point~2250 °C
True Density≥ 3.90 g/cm³
Standard GritsFEPA F12–F220, micro-powder on request
Refractory Sizes0–1mm, 1–3mm, 3–5mm, 200/325 mesh
Magnetic ContentControlled by magnetic separation

* Values are indicative typical/guaranteed figures and can be tailored to your specification. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is delivered with every shipment; third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek / CIQ) available on request.

Grits & Sizes

F12–F36

Coarse

Heavy stock removal, snagging wheels, anti-skid flooring and aggressive blasting.

Common: blasting / flooring

F40–F80

Medium

General-purpose grinding wheels, cutting discs and coated abrasive belts.

Common: grinding wheels

F100–F220

Fine

Finishing wheels, sandpaper, flap discs and precision surface prep.

Common: coated abrasives

0–1 / 1–3 / 3–5 mm

Refractory

Castable and ramming-mass aggregate; steel ladle and runner refractories.

Common: refractories

Applications

Bonded Abrasives

Grinding wheels, cut-off discs and honing stones. The tough, self-sharpening grain holds form and renews its cutting edge under load.

Coated Abrasives

Sandpaper, flap discs, belts and rolls for metalworking and woodworking. Consistent grit shape gives a uniform finish.

Sandblasting & Surface Prep

Recyclable blasting media for descaling, deburring and pre-coating surface profiling on steel and castings.

Refractory Castables

Coarse BFA aggregate for monolithic refractories, ramming masses and steel-ladle/runner linings — high thermal-shock resistance.

Anti-Skid & Flooring

Hard, angular grain broadcast into epoxy and resin floors and road markings for durable slip resistance.

Foundry & Investment Casting

Mould and core facing aggregate where high refractoriness and low reactivity are required.

Quality Assurance

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

    Lot-traceable chemical and physical analysis with every shipment.

  • Third-Party Inspection

    SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or CIQ pre-shipment inspection on request.

  • Customer Sample Review

    Pre-shipment sample for your lab verification before bulk order.

  • Specification Matching

    Grade and granulometry tailored to your process, not sold as a generic commodity.

Logistics

  • Origin Ports

    Tianjin Xingang · Qingdao · Shanghai

  • Packaging

    25kg PP/paper bags (palletized), 1 MT jumbo bags, or bulk. Moisture-sealed liners on request.

  • Incoterms

    FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP available.

  • Payment Terms

    T/T or irrevocable L/C at sight. USD / EUR / JPY settlement.

  • Lead Time

    15–25 days from order confirmation to vessel sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is brown fused alumina used for?

Brown fused alumina has two main uses: as an abrasive grain in bonded grinding wheels, coated abrasives (sandpaper, flap discs) and sandblasting media; and as a refractory aggregate in castables, ramming masses and steel-ladle linings. Its Mohs 9 hardness and thermal stability suit both roles.

What is the difference between brown and white fused alumina?

Brown fused alumina (Al₂O₃ ≥ 95%) is tougher and lower cost, made from bauxite, and is preferred for general grinding, blasting and refractories. White fused alumina (Al₂O₃ ≥ 99%) is purer, harder, more friable and contamination-free, used for precision grinding, dental/medical and high-alumina refractories.

What grit sizes do you supply?

FEPA standard grits F12 through F220 for abrasives, plus refractory sizes 0–1mm, 1–3mm, 3–5mm and 200/325 mesh micro-powder. Custom sieve cuts available for orders ≥ 100 MT.

Is BFA suitable for sandblasting?

Yes. Brown fused alumina is a premium recyclable blasting abrasive — harder and longer-lasting than garnet or slag, giving a clean anchor profile for coating adhesion. It can be reused multiple cycles, lowering cost per part.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Trial orders from 20 MT (one 20ft container). Production orders typically 50–500 MT. Annual contracts available for refractory and abrasive manufacturers.

Do you provide a COA and samples?

Yes. A Certificate of Analysis accompanies every shipment, and a 2–5 kg sample can be sent for your lab verification before a bulk order. SGS/BV/Intertek inspection is available on request.

Request a Quote

Specify your grade/size, quantity and destination port — we respond within one business day with FOB China and CIF quotes.

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