Melt corrosion of oxide and oxide–carbon refractories

Penetration and dissolution mechanisms are reviewed for predominantly single phase oxide, two phase oxide, and oxide–carbon composite refractories by liquid silicates. Theoretical models of these processes, as well as static (sessile drop, dipping, and crucible) and dynamic (rotating finger and rotary slag) experimental tests, along with their practical limitations are considered. Direct (congruent or homogeneous) attack involves dissolution of a solid into a liquid with no intermediate solid phase leading to active corrosion. Indirect (incongruent or heterogeneous) attack leads to formation of one or more new solid phases at the original solid/liquid interface. This may lead to passive corrosion. Examples of direct and indirect attack in a range of refractory–liquid systems are described highlighting the critical influence of the composition and hence viscosity of the local liquid adjacent to the solid. Penetration and corrosion can be controlled either through the local liquid composition via the refractory or the bulk liquid or by microstructural control of the refractory by, for example, internal generation of dense layers or external deposition/generation of passive coatings.