Improvement in the properties of low carbon MgO-C refractories through the addition of graphite-SiC micro-composite

•Graphite–SiC microcomposites were synthesized via carbothermal reduction route.•SiC reinforced refractories exhibited much improved properties over the standard.•A low oxidation rate of 1.58 × 10−5 cm2 s-1 was observed in SiC based refractories.•Hot strength was enhanced from 42.3 to 57.4 kg cm−2 in SiC fortified refractories.•Designing strength factor above 0.13 with SiC forms a flaw tolerant microstructure.