Corrosion kinetics and corrosion mechanisms of BN-ZrO2-SiC composites in molten steel

Corrosion kinetics and corrosion mechanisms of BN-ZrO2-SiC composites with different ZrO2 contents of 10-40 vol.% have been investigated in molten steel. The chemical reactions between dissolved oxygen in molten steel and non-oxide components of BN and SiC are key factors of corrosion process. High ZrO2 content is beneficial to the formation of a ZrO2-rich corrosion layer, which restrains molten steel from further penetrating into ceramic matrix. Corrosion kinetic obeys a nearly parabolic law, and the corrosion rate is retarded by adding ZrO2. Therefore, the addition of ZrO2 is beneficial to the enhancement of corrosion resistance against molten steel.