Wetting of electrolyte melt on aluminosilicate refractory at 870℃–910℃

Abstract

This study investigates the wetting behavior of electrolyte melts on aluminosilicate refractory substrates under ladle operating conditions (870 ℃–910 °C, argon atmosphere) using the sessile drop method. Interfacial dynamics are quantitatively characterized through real-time contact angle evolution and dimensionless height factor analysis, with post-wetting reaction products systematically identified via X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Results demonstrate a temperature-dependent wetting enhancement: at 890℃-910℃, the droplet apparent contact angle changes linearly with increasing temperature, and the time for complete spreading decreases from 18.5 min to 7.3 min. Interfacial reaction intensity, quantified by NaAlSiO₄ phase content, shows a direct correlation with temperature-induced elemental interdiffusion. The predominant adhesion mechanism involves reaction wetting through nepheline formation at Al₂O₃-SiO₂-Na₃AlF₆ triple junctions, causing catastrophic interfacial failure. These findings conclusively demonstrate the incompatibility of aluminosilicate refractories for ladles, providing quantitative criteria for next-generation anti-adhesion refractory design.