Surfaces of refractory products modified by low-temperature plasma in glass manufacturing

Abstract

The paper describes the production of strong and thermally resistant refractory materials modified by low-temperature plasma. Mechanical and physical tests are presented in this paper for determination of thermal resistance, density, and ultimate compressive strength. X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy are conducted to determine a phase composition of specimens before and after bake-out. It is shown that plasma treatment results in a formation of a non-porous vitreous layer which is X-ray amorphous and saturated with silicon dioxide and alumina oxide. Moreover, refractory materials exhibit 4-9% strengthening.