The manufacture of clean steel needs high performance carbon-free bricks for ladle lining.Based on long term application experiences of the prefab Al2O3-MgO blocks,unburnt Al2O3-MgO brick has been developed by pressing a mix of alumina,spinel and magnesia as major raw materials and Al2O3-MgO gel powder as binder.In addition to low open porosity and high strength,the unburnt Al2O3-MgO brick shows superior corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance to the prefab block.Field trials in a 300t steel ladle have indicated the residual lining of unburnt Al2O3-MgO bricks showed smooth surface without large spalling and seldom steel infiltration,consequently longer service life than the prefab blocks.The reliable,unburnt Al2O3-MgO bricks have more advantages of high efficiency,energy-saving and eco-friendly production.It will be one of the best options for ladle lining in the manufacture of high-purity steel.