Abstract
This research was focused on expanding the current understanding of the mechanism of softening and melting of ferrous materials including liquid exudation and high temperature material interaction. The bulk softening and melting experiments were interrupted at temperatures of interest and samples were examined for morphological changes. The results of these experiments were complimented with viscosity, surface energy and deformation rate calculations which were helpful in understanding the melt exudation phenomenon. The microstructure of the materials showed a transition from heterogeneous to homogenous state with increasing temperatures. The melt dripping was predominantly observed in olivine fluxed pellets. The exuded slag was primarily composed of an alkali rich phase which was found least viscous of the slags present in this system. The viscosity of the liquid and the structure of metallic shell jointly control the flow of liquid from the ferrous materials. Addition of magnesia in lieu of lime was found to provide beneficial impact, in particular on the rate of liquid evolution at high temperature. Based on the metallographic examination of the samples a mechanism of burden interaction is proposed.
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