Influence of reaction of Al2O3 and carbonaceous materials in Al2O3–C refractories on aluminum and carbon pick-up of iron

Abstract

Carbon-containing Al2O3 refractory crucibles and pure Al2O3 refractory crucible were fabricated to study the effect of carbon-containing Al2O3–C refractories on aluminum and carbon pick-up of iron. Refractory crucibles with pure iron powder were placed in a vacuum induction furnace and heated at 1600 °C for regular time under flowing argon atmosphere. The Al and C contents of iron samples were analyzed, and iron samples were also investigated using a field scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscope. The results showed that carbon materials did affect the interaction of (Al2O3–C)/Fe system, carbothermal reduction in alumina occurred in the reaction system and the extent of reactions depended on the kinds of carbon materials.