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Abstract:

Induction crucible tests were conducted in a vacuum induction furnace in order to evaluate the corrosion resistance of different magnesia-based bricks in contact with stainless steelmaking slags. Magnesia-chromite and magnesia-carbon bricks were exposed to a reducing atmosphere for one hour at 1650°C. The influence of the slag composition on the refractory corrosion was assessed by varying the basicity and Al2O3-content. The worn samples were investigated through post-mortem microstructural characterisation. Magnesia-chromite bricks showed an excellent corrosion resistance, whereas magnesia-carbon bricks were severely degraded. The degradation mechanisms are unravelled and discussed with respect to previous post-mortem studies performed on industrially worn samples.