Alternative Industrial Chrome-Free Alumina-Based Bricks for Copper Alloy Melting Furnaces

In this study, the corrosion resistance of alumina-based bricks against the slag of copper alloy melting furnaces was investigated. Four commercial chrome-free alumina bricks have been studied. Bulk density and apparent porosity measurements and phase analysis of the bricks were performed. The most important property, the slag corrosion resistance, was evaluated at the temperature of 1,200 degrees C for 2 h. The microstructures of the bricks, their penetration depth, and corrosion index were evaluated. The results showed that two bricks showed acceptable corrosion resistance against the slag. The low corrosion index of these bricks was attributed to their aluminosilicate phases (sillimanite, or andalusite) and lower phosphate bonding; however, the problematic matter was the silicate phase, which showed lower resistance against the penetration of slag. It was observed that the aluminosilicate phase can improve the corrosion re-sistance through the reaction with slag, whereas the presence of large alumina aggregates can restrict the penetration of slag.

Automated summary

This study investigated the corrosion resistance of alumina-based bricks against the slag of copper alloy melting furnaces. Four commercial chrome-free alumina bricks were studied, and their properties and phase analysis were evaluated. The results showed that two bricks exhibited acceptable corrosion resistance against the slag. The presence of aluminosilicate phases improved the corrosion resistance, while large alumina aggregates restricted the penetration of slag.