Study on Interaction Behavior of Cerium Oxide Containing Slag with MgO-C Bricks Using X-ray Diffraction and Computed Tomography

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the interaction behavior of slag containing 5.59 wt pct Ce2O3 with MgO-C refractory bricks at high temperature and its comparison with slag without Ce2O3. Slags under consideration were byproduct generated during steelmaking process in an induction furnace. Slag without Ce2O3 has exhibited a greater degree of penetration into the refractory material in contrast to slag containing Ce2O3. Mechanism of interaction was understood by performing thermodynamic modeling using FactSage, X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray Computed Tomography (X-Ray μCT). FactSage elucidated evolution of phases during interactions at test temperature, while XRD provided insights into the phases present at room temperature after interaction. X-Ray μCT analysis revealed that the penetration depth by slag reached up to 3 mm along the brick wall in the absence of Ce2O3. However, slag containing Ce2O3 reaction depth along the wall and the bottom was 1.80 mm. Penetration by slag without Ce2O3 was mainly due to the presence of less stable oxides and liquid phase fraction, which has exhibited more vigorous reaction with MgO-C brick. Mechanism of transformative effect of Ce2O3 on low melting phases to stable and high melting rare earth phases like Vanadoandrosite ((Mn2+Ce)(V3+AlMn2+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)), oxide, and sulfide has been discussed in detail. © The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2024.