EFFECT OF OXYGEN ON THE WETTABILITY OF SOLID OXIDE BY MOLTEN IRON.

Abstract

By using the sessile drop method, the wettability of solid oxide (sintered alumina and sapphire) by molten iron was measured at 1600 degree C in atmospheres having different oxygen potentials. The solidified metal-oxide interface was observed with the optical microscope and EPMA. It was found that the surface tension and contact angle of molten iron on alumina decrease with increasing oxygen content in the metal, whereas the work of adhesion increases. Iron diffuses into the grain boundaries of sintered alumina.