Multifunctional refractory materials for molten metal contact applications

Concern about liquid metal corrosion on containment materials and submerged hardware is a very important issue in metal processing industries such as steel companies with hot-dipping lines, aluminum companies, metal casting companies, etc. Additionally, heat losses due to degradation of refractories by corrosion and poor thermal management are problematic for these same industries. For example, steel, metal casting, and aluminum industries suffer large energy losses due to the failure of refractory linings and poorly insulating refractory materials, requiring downtime for maintenance and/or resulting in contamination of the molten metal. The research objectives of this project are to develop multifunctional refractory materials and surface treatment, coatings and claddings for life improvement of molten metal containment and submerged hardware and improved thermal management in aluminum and super alloy applications. Efforts to this end are discussed.