Wetting behavior of Al2O3 substrate by calcium ferrite series melts

Abstract

Calcium ferrite (CF) is the adhesive phase formed in high-basicity sinter. The wettability of CF with other solid phases plays an important role in assimilation process. In this study, an improved sessile drop technique was used to explore the wettability of a CF series slag, in which constant contents of Al2O3, MgO, SiO2, and TiO2 were added, with solid Al2O3 substrate at 1 250°C. The interfacial structure and spreading mechanisms were also discussed. The dissolution of Al2O3 into the slag was found to be the driving force of the wetting process. The CF series slag could rapidly spread after melting until a low apparent contact angle of approximately 10°-20° was attained. The spreading time positively correlated with the dissolution amount. The addition of MgO, SiO2, and TiO2 improved the wettability of CF on Al2O3 and decreased the surface tension of CF melt. After cooling, a three-layer structure was formed in the slag phase.