Wetting of Al2O3 by molten aluminum: The influence of BaSO4 additions

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Date
2008
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Hindawi
Abstract

The effects of BaSO4 additions on the wetting of alumina by molten aluminum were studied by the sessile drop technique. To study the effect of BaSO4 decomposition (1100-1150 degrees C), the additions were treated at two temperatures 700 degrees C (973 K) and 1450 degrees C (1723 K), respectively. BaSO4 additions at low and high temperatures did not improve the nonwetting character of these compositions. However, at higher firing temperature, the formation of BA(6) (BaO center dot 6Al(2)O(3)) has a nonwetting trend with increasing its content. To address the BA(6) specifically a pure BaO center dot 6Al(2)O(3) was produced and tested. It was more nonwetting than the pure alumina. After the analysis of the contact angles for the BaSO4 and the BA(6) (BaO center dot 6Al(2)O(3)), it was concluded that these additions to alumina do not inhibit wetting by molten aluminum. In fact, at the addition levels common for refractories, the wetting tendency of molten aluminum is enhanced. Alternative explanations for the effectiveness of BaSO4 additions to alumina refractories are discussed. Copyright (C) 2008 Joaquin Aguilar-Santillan.

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Keywords
LIQUID-METALS, BARIUM, WETTABILITY, THERMODYNAMICS, DECOMPOSITION, REFRACTORIES, MAGNESIUM, KINETICS, ENERGY, OXIDE, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Multidisciplinary, Science & Technology - Other Topics, Materials Science
Citation
Aguilar-Santillan, J. (2008): Wetting of Al2O3 by Molten Aluminum: The Influence of BaSO4 Additions. Journal of Nanomaterials, Volume 2008.