Microstructural examination of interactions between chromia‐based refractory and nuclear glass in a melter

This study shows the effects of nuclear waste glass production on Monofrax K-3 refractory corrosion. A continuously fed research-scale melter containing an Fe- and Ni-rich simulated feed with borosilicate glass-forming chemicals was cyclically melted at 1150°C idled 1050°C for a total 11 weeks. Chemical maps using scanning electron microscopy show interactions between quenched melt refractory. Nanoscale X-ray-computed tomography used three-dimensional visualization certain parts interface. Unreacted consists primarily corundum (Al,Cr)2O3 spinel (Fe2+,Mg)(Al,Cr)2O4 interlocking crystalline phases. Some Cr from interacts Ni Fe to form reaction layer comprising (Ni,Fe2+)(Cr,Fe3+)2O4 crystals. Simultaneously, components (Na,Si) infiltrate into interaction proceeds expense integrity structure. Intact grains (e.g., (Al,Cr)2O3) as well itself can lose mechanical spall off melt, especially near top melter. As be protective boundary against further infiltration, reduction in thickness allows increase