Thermochemical behavior of refractories

In order to explain the phenomena related to corrosion we need to [PEC 96]  

In most cases, we cannot avoid simulation methods (corrosion tests in the laboratory) which can guide us in choosing the refractoiy. However, industrial reality is complex. The examination of refractories used on different scales associated with techniques of analysis (chemistry, x-ray diffraction, electronic microscopy) is essential in order to identify the mechanisms and to give directions to the solutions. 

In practice, several mechanisms can take place simultaneously. 

The refractories exhibit open porosity which allows impregnation by slags. This impregnation depends on the nature of the materials. It occurs for carbonless refractories, however, impregnation is veiy limited and even non-existent for catbon refractories (since carbon has an anti-wetting effect). For a given porosity and porosimetiy, the amplitude of the phenomenon depends on the capillary motor 

Impregrration phenomena [BLU 95] differ following the basicity of the slag-refractory system, depending on the extent of polymerization and viscosity of hquid oxides (see Figrtre 10.7)  

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