Reactions of dense MgO with calcium ferrite-based slags at 1573 K

The drop-quench technique was used to investigate the solubility of dense MgO in calcium ferrite-based slags (CaO 20 wt pct) under oxygen potentials from 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁴ atm at 1573 K. The effect of copper oxide in the slag on the solubility of MgO was also examined in a CO₂ atmosphere. The results showed that MgO solubility in copper-free calcium ferrite slags was generally less than 2 wt pct and it increased with the addition of Cu₂O (up to 28.5 wt pct). It was found that magnesiowustite or magnesioferrite may form at the slag-refractory interface depending on the prevailing oxygen potential. The activity of MgO was estimated through equilibrium between the slag and the solid solution phases. The activity coefficient of MgO was found to be essentially independent of the oxygen potential within the range studied and to decrease from approximately 15 for the copper-free slag to 7 for slags with 28.5 wt pct Cu₂O.