A Chromium‐Free Fe‐Added MgO–SiC–C Refractory With Superior Dynamic Matte Slag Corrosion Resistance
Xu Zhao, Tianbin Zhu, Weijie Guo, Qilong Chen, Yuhang Zhang, Yawei Li, Yajie Dai, Wengang Yang, Honggang SunABSTRACT
To develop a chromium‐free alternative to MgO–Cr 2 O 3 refractories for matte smelting furnaces, this study investigated three novel MgO–SiC–C refractories (with Fe, Si 3 N 4 , or Si 3 N 4 –Fe additions) via induction furnace tests simulating actual smelting. Results showed MgO–Cr 2 O 3 sample had poor slag penetration resistance due to a porous layer filled with low‐melting (Mg 1 − x , Fe x ) 2 SiO 4 , impairing stability and allowing partial Cu 2 S penetration. The Fe‐containing MgO–SiC–C sample exhibited superior dynamic corrosion resistance (comparable to MgO–Cr 2 O 3 , better in penetration resistance), attributed to low porosity, protective Mg(Fe, Al) 2 O 4 and MgAl 2 O 4 phases, Fe–Si alloy void filling, and graphite‐inhibited Cu 2 S penetration. Si 3 N 4 ‐containing samples degraded dynamically (despite good static slag resistance) as Si 3 N 4 formed low‐melting (Mg 1 − x , Fe x ) 2 SiO 4 , weakening stability. Overall, the Fe‐containing MgO–SiC–C refractory is a promising chromium‐free alternative for matte smelting furnaces.