Production of Fuzed Zirconium Dioxide in OAO Pervouralsk Silica Plant1

Abstract

Relative wear resistance in service of various refractories of different chemical and mineral composition is calculated theoretically. On the basis of thermal energy density values it is established that of all oxides zirconium oxide is in first place for highest refractoriness (melting temperature >2500°C). Among available refractory minerals (compounds of other chemical classes with respect to wear resistance ZrO₂ is only worse than graphite and silicon carbide (α-SiC). On the basis of research a procedure is developed, and a production line is planned, constructed, and put into operation for industrial manufacture of fuzed partly stabilized zirconium dioxide (PSZD). Zirconia-graphite submersible nozzles for a CBCM are produced using PSZD.