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

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.