Reactions between refractory materials

GT 1961201-208

The compatibilities of eleven different types of commercial refractories when in contact with each other have been investigated by placing small blocks of the refractories on top of each other and heating to various temperatures. Both fusion-cast zirconia-corundum and fusion-cast mullite materials exuded a glassy phase at temperatures from 1200" C and this led to quite considerable sticking to, and subsequent reaction with, all the materials tested, except those containing magnesia. The very high alumina fusion-cast refractories were the most stable materials tested. Silica and alumino-silicate refractories were usually stable up to 1500" C but at this temperature some reactions occurred with most materials and considerable reactions were noted with those containing magnesia. The reactivity of the alumino-silicates decreased with increasing alumina content. Magnesia-containing refractories also showed some
signs of reactions with most materials at 1500°C, particularly those with a high silica content. Zircon showed some slight reaction with all but the high-alumina refractories at 1500" C but was otherwise
quite stable.

T. S. Busby & J. Eccles
British Glass Industry Research Association, Sheffield