By using the sessilc drop method, the wettability of solid oxide (sintered alumina and saphire) with molten iron was measured at 1600°C in atmosphere which had various oxygen potentials. The solidified metal-oxide interface was observed with optical microscope and EPMA.
The main results are as follows;
(1) The surface tension and contact angle of molten iron on alumina decrease with increasing of oxygen content in the metal.
(2) The work of adhesion increascs with increase of oxygen content.
(3) Iron diffuses into the grain-boundary of sintered alumina.