Addition of antioxidant is one of the best method for suppression of oxidation of carbon-containing refractories. In this study,behavior and effect of ZrB2 on MgO-C and Al2O3-C regractorise were investigated. ZrB2 is useful for supression of oxidation above about 700℃,especially below 1200℃.
It reacts with CO (g) to form ZrO2,B2O3 and C according to the next equation; ZrB2(s) + 5CO(g)=ZrO2(s) + B2O3(l) + 5C(s). That is,ZrB2 reduces CO(g) to C(s) and the formed B2O3 reacts with MgO or Al2O3 to give liquid phase which forms protective layer. However,since vaporization of B2O3 increases with temperature,effect for suppretion of oxidation decreases.