Degradation mechanisms of alumina-chromia refractories for secondary copper smelter linings

To assess the viability of an alumina-chromia refractory alternative for secondary copper smelters, the degradation behavior of alumina-chromia refractories in a secondary copper smelting slag and a Cu-CuxO mixture was studied via lab scale refractory finger testing. Microstructural characterization of the worn refractory samples resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the corrosion and penetration resistance and a comparison with the degradation of magnesia-chromite refractories. Alumina grains in the refractory are preferentially corroded by the slag. The alumina-chromia refractory exhibits superior infiltration resistance to the slag and the Cu-CuxO mixture compared to magnesia-chromite refractories.