Slag-graphite wettability and reaction kinetics - Part 2 - Wettability influenced by reduction kinetics

The present paper reports results of experimental investigations into the w ettability of graphite by molten slag containing FeO. The wettability was d etermined by measurement of the graphite-slag contact angle. A higher initi al FeO content in the slag phase and higher temperature lead to better wett ability of graphite owing to the chemical reaction between the molten FeO i n the slag and the graphite surface. The presence of FeO also reduces the s urface tension of the slag. The free energy of reaction released per unit a rea DeltaG(r) has been estimated and correlated with the wettability parame ters. The overall contribution of this factor to lowering the interfacial t ension has also been examined. (C) 2000 IoM Communications Ltd.