25 April 2026, Volume 38 Issue 4

    

• Select all
  |

Reviews
• Select
  Research progress on ceramic crucibles for high-temperature alloy melting

  SHI Jiaxin, YANG Bolin, ZHANG Tingting, WANG Xing, WU Shujun, YU Chao, DENG Chengji, DING Jun

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 451-466. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250225

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  High-temperature alloys play a crucial role in aerospace engines, gas turbines and other high-temperature applications. During the melting process of high-temperature alloys, ceramic crucibles serve as essential containers. The interaction between the crucible and the alloy melt directly influences the alloy's purity, microstructural uniformity and service performance, while also determining the thermal stability and service life of the crucible itself. To meet the requirements for melting high-performance high-temperature alloys, it is imperative to further improve the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and corrosion resistance of ceramic crucibles under high-temperature conditions. A systematic review of the development of ceramic crucibles used for high-temperature alloy smelting is prorided, which are primarily categorized into three types: oxide refractories, non-oxide refractories and oxide-non-oxide composite refractories. The service performance and modification methods of these materials are analyzed in terms of thermal stability, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.Strategies including composite structural design and zirconia doping for improving the thermal shock and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials are emphasized. Furthermore, the interaction mechanisms and influencing factors between ceramic crucibles and alloy melts are discussed from the perspectives of wetting, corrosion and spalling. Finally,prospects for improving crucible performance through material structural design and rare-earth oxide doping are presented.
• Select
  Research progress on numerical simulation of heat transfer for magnesite sintering in shaft kilns

  XU Jinfan, HOU Qingdong, HUANG Yupei, YU Jiayao, MA Beiyue, LUO Xudong, BIAN Zuomin, LIU Yan

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 467-477. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250196

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Dead-burned magnesia, as a key basic material for clean steel smelting, exerts a vital significance on the sustainable development of the refractory industry.However, prominent problems such as high energy consumption, heavy pollution and low product quality are generally confronted by the traditional dead-burned magnesia industry, which urgently need to be addressed through process optimization and technological upgrading. Numerical simulation technology can deeply analyze the thermal behavior and mass transfer laws inside shaft kilns, thus providing a theoretical basis for the precise regulation of process parameters. The development status and challenges faced by the dead-burned magnesia industry are systematically sorted out, and the research progress in the application of numerical simulation technology of heat transfer processes of dead-burned magnesia shaft kilns is summarized with a focus on the research status of gas-solid heat transfer in moving and fixed beds. Through the analysis of the selection of mathematical models and key assumptions, the applicability of local thermal equilibrium (LTE) and local non-thermal equilibrium (LTNE) models is discussed, and the research achievements of gas-solid heat transfer in fixed and moving beds and their reference significance for the process optimization of shaft kilns are summarized. It is shown that the LTNE model is more suitable for describing the gas-solid heat transfer process with significant temperature difference inside shaft kilns. The consideration of practical factors such as thermal radiation, particle non-sphericity and non-uniform porosity distribution is the key to improving model accuracy, and the CFD-DEM coupling method can finely simulate the influence of particle-scale behavior on macroscopic heat transfer. The optimization of operating parameters such as cooling air flow rate, sintering gas flow rate and burner position is an effective approach to improving the thermal efficiency and product quality of shaft kilns. A theoretical reference and technical support are provided for the green and efficient preparation of high-quality magnesia.
• Select
  Research progress of carbon-containing refractories incorporated with graphite analog phase

  YANG Mingfang, LI Yanjun, LI Jiaxing, CHEN Jin, JIN Endong, DING Donghai, XIAO Guoqing

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 478-493. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250172

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Carbon-containing refractories are widely used in steelmaking equipment such as converters, electric arc furnaces, ladles, slide gates and continuous casting components. Traditional carbon-containing refractories have a high carbon content. During the smelting process where they are in direct contact with molten steel, carbon diffuses into the molten steel and causes carbon pickup. At the same time, these materials are easily oxidized and their production consumes high energy. Therefore, in the iron and steel industry, traditional carbon-containing refractories can no longer meet the development requirements of clean steel. Reducing the carbon content has thus become an urgent problem to solve. However, simply lowering the carbon content degrades the thermal shock resistance and slag corrosion resistance of carbon-containing refractories and directly affects their service life. Therefore, exploring the low-carbonization of carbon-containing refractories without performance loss is of great significance. At present, sufficient research has been conducted on the introduction of nanocarbon, the modification of binders and the addition of additives. Yet, the problem of carbon oxidation remains unsolved. Hence, the introduction of graphite-like materials with excellent oxidation resistance has become a new direction in the low-carbon research of carbon-containing refractories. These materials retain the layered structure and superior thermal conductivity and lubrication properties of graphite while offering better oxidation resistance and chemical stability.The research on the application of graphite-like materials is summarized such as MAX phases and h-BN in refractories and proposes suggestions for future studies on the introduction of graphite-like phases into carbon-containing refractories.
• Select
  Research progress on preparation and mechanical properties of 3D printed silicon carbide ceramics

  LIU Zeling, LIU Yue, DING Guoqiang, FENG Dong, YE Chaochao, LUO Xudong, YOU Jiegang, QI Dabin

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 494-506. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250359

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Silicon carbide ceramics, renowned for their exceptional chemical stability and corrosion resistance, have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional metal heat exchangers in industrial kilns such as hot blast stoves and coke ovens. However, conventional manufacturing processes remain constrained by low precision, high production costs and inefficient efficiency, limiting their widespread adoption. The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology has introduced a novel approach for producing high-performance silicon carbide ceramics.3D printing technology for silicon carbide ceramics is focused, systematically examining how slurry formulations, manufacturing processes, post-processing technologies and equipment parameters influence material mechanical properties across various printing methods. It identifies current limitations in production techniques and outlines promising future directions for development.
Materials Research
• Select
  Effect of MgSiN₂ addition on mechanical properties of low-carbon Al₂O₃-SiC-C refractories

  YANG Jingui, LUO Yixin, WANG Xing, LIU Zhenglong, DING Jun, YU Chao, DENG Chengji

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 507-517. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20260001

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  In view of the problem that low-carbon Al₂O₃-SiC-C refractories are difficult to meet requirements of modern ironmaking due to the weakening of interface bonding.Tabular corundum, 6H-SiC, α-Al₂O₃, Al powder and flake graphite were used as the main raw materials, andMgSiN₂ was introduced as an additive to prepare the refractories. The effects of MgSiN₂ additionat mass fractions of 0, 1%, 3% and 5% on the phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties at room temperature were studied. And the mechanism was revealed by combining thermodynamics and first-principles calculations. The results show that with the increase in MgSiN₂ addition, the in-situ generated MgAl₂O₄ phase increases, and its distribution is uniform and dense. At 1 600 ℃, MgSiN₂ decomposes into generate gaseous Mg. Generate gaseous Mg promotes the in-situ formation of MgAl₂O₄ phase and its strong bonding with Al₂O₃ matrix through gas phase mass transfer, thus optimizing the microstructure of the material. Consequently, when the addition amount of MgSiN₂ is 5%(mass fraction), the mechanical properties of the material at room temperature are optimal, and the cold modulus of rupture and compressive strength are increased to 7.27 and 56.80 MPa, respectively.
• Select
  Effect ofparticle size distribution on thermal shock resistance of Si₃N₄/Si₂N₂O-SiC composites

  WANG Jiandong, XIANG Yubo, HUANG Zhilin, LI Mengnian, LIU Chongfeng, ZHANG Xinhua

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 518-527. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250253

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To meet the high thermal shock resistance requirements of silicon carbide (SiC) pusher plates used in rapid-firing tunnel kilns,the effect of coarse SiC particle content on the microstructure and thermomechanical properties of nitride-bonded SiC composites was investigated. Under a fixed total SiC content, specimens with varying mass fractions (0, 5%, 10% and 15%) of coarse SiC particles (3-5 mm) were prepared. The phase composition, pore structure, flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness and thermal expansion coefficient were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, three-point bending tests, the single-edge notched beam method and dilatometry. Thermal shock resistance was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the retention rates of flexural strength and elastic modulus after five thermal cycles (water quenching from 1 350 ℃ to room temperature). The results indicated that the coarse SiC particle content significantly influenced the formation of the nitride bonding phase and the resulting microstructure. An optimal content of mass fraction of 5% coarse particles promoted a favorable pore size distribution and a continuous nitride network, whereas excessive coarse particle mass fraction (≥10%) inhibited the nitridation reaction, leading to microstructural degradation. The specimen containing 5%(mass fraction) coarse SiC exhibited the best overall performance, with the highest residual flexural strength (67 MPa) after thermal shock and retention rates of flexural strength and elastic modulus of 16% and 24.8%, respectively. This specimen also demonstrated a low thermal expansion coefficient (4.1×10^-6 ℃^-1) and high fracture toughness (6.38 MPa·m^1/2). It was concluded that the incorporation of 5%(mass fraction) coarse SiC particles achieved an optimal balance between strength and toughness. The enhanced thermal shock resistance was attributed to the synergistic effects of a low thermal expansion coefficient, high fracture toughness and effective crack pinning by the coarse particles.
• Select
  Lightweight and performance ofMgO-MgAl₂O₄ refractory materials with alumina hollow spheres

  WANG Shengbo, HOU Qingdong, YU Jiayao, MA Beiyue, LUO Xudong, YOU Jiegang, YANG Zihua, LIANG Zhipeng

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 528-537. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250230

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Magnesia-based refractory materials serve as a critical fundamental material in the clean steel smelting process, providing crucial support for achieving efficient production. In order to improve the thermal shock resistance of traditional periclase-magnesia alumina spinel refractories, lightweightMgO-MgAl₂O₄ refractory materials were prepared using magnesite powder as the raw material and alumina hollow spheres as the pore-forming agent. The effects of the addition amount of alumina hollow spheres and the sintering temperature on the properties of the lightweight refractories were investigated. Theresults indicated thatunder the calcination condition of 1 550 ℃, when the mass fraction of Al₂O₃ hollow spheres added is 20%,the sample exhibited bulk density of 1.67 g/cm³, apparent porosity of 52.70% and cold modulus of rupture of 2.41 MPa. The analysis suggests that the coating of in-situ synthesized magnesium-aluminate spinel particles, derived from the alumina hollow spheres and fine magnesite powder,forms on the surface of the hollow spheres. The coated structure contributes to the improved mechanical strength of the samples. Meanwhile, the Al₂O₃ hollow spheres are introduced into the sample as closed pores, which can impede crack propagation under thermal stress. Furthermore, the incorporation of alumina hollow spheres as a second phase into the magnesia-based refractory system induces thermal mismatch, significantly improving the thermal shock resistance of the material.
• Select
  Numerical simulation of inclusion adsorption in magnesium alloys by MgO ceramic filters

  LI Zilong, HUANG Ao, ZOU Yongshun, GU Huazhi

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 538-547. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250325

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Magnesium alloys have been widely applied in various fields due to their excellent properties, while inclusions existing in the melt can severely deteriorate the performance of final products. Based on the computational fluid dynamics simulation method, the influence laws of pore size (0.6-4 mm) and thickness (5-25 mm) of MgO ceramic filters on the inclusion capture behavior in magnesium alloy melts were systematically investigated. The results show that the capture rate of 100 μm inclusions is continuously improved with the decrease in filter pore size, whereas the capture rate of 20 μm inclusions increases first and then tends to be stable, and the pressure difference across the filter increases continuously with the decrease in pore size simultaneously. Considering the purification performance and the demand for low pressure difference comprehensively, 1 mm is determined as the optimal pore size. In terms of the influence of thickness, the capture rate of 20 μm inclusions reaches the peak (33.8%) when the filter thickness is 15 mm, and the inclusion convergence effect in front of the inlet is the most significant, while the distribution of 100 μm inclusions is hardly affected by the variation in thickness. At a constant melt flow rate of 0.2 m/s, the thickness exerts a slight influence on the melt residence time and flux, but the pressure difference across the filter increases linearly with the increase in thickness, and this variation law is consistent with the Ergun equation. By comprehensively considering the purification efficiency and operation energy consumption, the MgO ceramic filter with a thickness of 15—20 mm and a pore size of 1 mm is recommended, and the synergistic optimization of high-efficiency purification and low-pressure-difference operation of magnesium alloy melts can be achieved accordingly.
• Select
  Effect of curing time on strength of hydratable alumina bonded castables

  SUN Xiaogai, ZHANG Ju, YE Guotian, JIA Quanli, MU Yuandong, LI Yaozheng

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 548-556. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250319

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To investigate the shortest effective curing time of hydratable alumina-bonded castables, the effect of curing duration (4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h) on the demoulding and drying strengths of the castables at 20 ℃ and 40% was studied. The results show that, during the early curing stage (4-18 h), the hydration degree of hydratable alumina increases. The amount of interlaced network-like hydration products boehmite (β-AlOOH) and bayerite (β-Al(OH)₃) also increases significantly. As a result, the demoulding strength rises continuously, meeting the industrial demoulding strength requirement after 18 h.When the curing time is prolonged from 18 h to 72 h, the newly formed hydration products gradually create a dense covering layer on the surfaces of hydratable alumina particles. This reduces the contact area between hydratable alumina and water, thereby inhibiting further hydration reaction. Therefore, additional curing time contributes little to promoting the hydration process. The morphology of the hydration products remains unchanged, and their amount increases only slightly. Thus, the demoulding strength of castables changes little. After different curing time, the castables were dried at 110 ℃ for 24 h. During drying, the unhydrated hydratable alumina from the curing stage undergoes further hydration. Moreover, the hydratable alumina with lower hydration degree undergoes greater rehydration during drying, maximizing the hydration degree after drying. The amounts of hydration products show little difference. Their micro-morphologies are also identical. Therefore, the drying strength of castables cured for different time changes little.Hence, after curing for 18 h to reach the demoulding strength, hydratable alumina-bonded castables can be directly transferred to the drying process to improve production efficiency.
• Select
  Effect of yttrium oxide on performance of magnesium composites prepared from magnesite tailings

  FENG Yu, YOU Jiegang, FENG Dong, YUE Jingjing, ZHAO Xin, LUO Xudong, ZHANG Xiaofang

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 557-566. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20260018

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To improve the utilization rate of magnesite tailings, reduce the production cost of magnesia-based refractories, and minimize environmental pollution caused by magnesite tailings, magnesia-based composites were prepared via a pressureless solid-phase reaction sintering method using light-burned magnesite tailings powder as the raw material, yttrium oxide as an additive, and glycerol as a binder. The effects of Y₂O₃ addition (with mass fractions of 0, 1%, 2%, and 4%) on the phase composition, microstructure, bulk density, apparent porosity, cold modulus of rupture, and thermal shock resistance of the samples were investigated. The solid solution of Y₂O₃ distorts the forsterite lattice, enhances the ion diffusion rate, and promotes the migration and rearrangement of forsterite particles within the lattice, thereby filling pores and gaps and improving the density of the samples. Furthermore, yttrium oxide reacts with the impurity phases CaO andSiO₂ to form a high-melting-point phase, Ca₄Y₆O(SiO₄)₆, the presence of which improves the strength of the samples. The sample with 2% (mass fraction) Y₂O₃ exhibits the best comprehensive performance, with a bulk density of 3.04 g/cm³, apparent porosity of 3.82%, linear shrinkage of 14.93%, cold modulus of rupture of 94.33 MPa, and residual strength retention rate of 89.64%. The effect of yttrium oxide on the thermal shock resistance of the magnesia-based composites was well explained using a simplified second thermodynamic factor.
• Select
  Preparation and formation mechanism ofMLGs-SiC_p-w in advanced low-carbon refractories for clean steel smelting

  QIU Jinbiao, NI Jingheng, HUANG Juntong, LIU Cheng, WAN Qifa, YANG Huiyong

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 567-576. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20260025

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Low-carbonization and high-performance improvement of carbon-containing refractories are recognized as key bottlenecks for the development of clean steel smelting technology. A novel strategy is proposed for the preparation of multilayer graphene (MLGs)-silicon carbide particle/whisker (SiC_p/SiC_w) composite reinforcements via three-roll milling exfoliation and catalytic in-situ conversion. Using expanded graphite (EG) as raw material and phenolic resin (PF) as medium, the effects of EG/PF mass ratio on the exfoliation efficiency of three-roll milling and the structural integrity of MLGs are investigated. With this MLGs/PF composite system as carbon source, in-situ catalytic synthesis of SiC_p/SiC_w is achieved by reacting with silicon powder at 1 400 ℃ under the action of nickel nitrate. Results show that the introduction of nickel nitrate is identified as the key factor driving the formation of SiC whiskers. During the reaction, parts of MLGs are retained and embedded into the SiC matrix as independent flake-like reinforcements. Meanwhile, the carbon network structure is optimized by the presence of MLGs, and the carbon yield of PF is increased to 50.9%. The complete pathway and reaction mechanism of nickel salt decomposition, reduction and catalytic Si-C exothermic reaction (peak temperature at 1 294 ℃) are clearly revealed by thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. The as-prepared MLGs-SiC_p-w composite can be applied as a two-dimensional carbon and ceramic phase to enhance the comprehensive performance of high-performance low-carbon refractories for clean steel production.
• Select
  Effect of weak static magnetic field on corrosion behavior of low-carbon MgO-C refractories

  CHEN Xinyu, HUANG Xuechun, HUANG Ao, ZHAO Wei, LI Shenghao, YAN Hao, CAO Zhiming, TONG Shanghao

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 577-588. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20260002

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  Low-carbon MgO-C refractories are key refractories employed in the refining of high-quality special steels. Free radical reactions between such refractories and molten slags lead to service failure. A weak static magnetic field shows considerable potential for regulating interfacial reaction rates between high-temperature molten slags and refractory materials. Using a high-temperature electromagnetic visualization apparatus and introducing the corrosion severity index, the effects of a weak static magnetic field (0-1.5 mT) on wetting, penetration andcorrosion of low-carbon MgO-C refractories by high-alumina CaO-Al₂O₃-based molten slag were investigated and evaluated under air, argon and vacuum atmospheres. Results show that magnesia and carbon sources generate superoxide free radicals and graphite σ dangling bonds, respectively, at elevated temperatures. Under vacuum at 1 600 ℃, application of a 1.5 mT weak static magnetic field reduces the corrosion severity index from 54.25 to 16.35 after 30 min of reaction between S1 slag and low-carbon MgO-C refractory containing5%(mass fraction) carbon. The reduction is attributed to altered spin-state distributions of radical pairs, which lowers the probability of oxidation reactions between superoxide free radicals and σ dangling bonds. Therefore, resistance of low-carbon MgO-C refractories to slag attack is improved by weak static magnetic fields through suppression of free radical reactions and deceleration of MgO dissolution. Findings provide an important theoretical basis for performance optimization of low-carbon MgO-C refractories used in high-quality special steel refining and development of magnetic field-assistedcorrosion-resistant technologies.
• Select
  Effect of nano-Cr₂O₃ addition method on magnesia-calcia bricks to low-basicity slag corrosion resistance

  QI Ruitong, LUAN Jian, WANG Chunyan, HAN Haopeng, YANG Zhitao, LI Jia

  Journal of Iron and Steel Research. 2026, 38(4): 589-596. https://doi.org/10.13228/j.boyuan.issn1001-0963.20250328

  Abstract ( ) Download PDF ( )   Knowledge map   Save

  To investigate the effect of nano-Cr₂O₃ addition method on the resistance of magnesia-calcia bricks to low-basicity slag corrosion, magnesia-calcia bricks are fabricated with nano-Cr₂O₃ as an additive via three approaches: direct addition (MC), introduction as pre-synthesized fine powder (YMC) and introduction as pre-synthesized aggregate (CYMC). Their corrosion resistance is compared in a low-basicity CaO-SiO₂-MgO-Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ slag system. The results show that the CYMC sample exhibits the highest bulk density (approximately 3.10 g·cm^-3) and the lowest apparent porosity (approximately 9.01%), with mechanical strength at room temperature superior to those of YMC and MC. In static crucible corrosion tests, slag penetration depths of 0.92, 0.74 and 0.60 mm are measured for MC, YMC and CYMC, respectively, indicating a sequence of MC > YMC > CYMC. Microstructural analysis reveals that pre-synthesized (Mg,Ca)Cr₂O₄ spinel is uniformly distributed at grain boundaries, which reduces slag penetration along grain boundaries, inhibits the dissolution of MgO and CaO, and mitigates the reaction between free CaO and SiO₂ in the slag. In contrast, agglomeration is observed when nano-Cr₂O₃ is directly added and the formed spinel is distributed inhomogeneously. Microcracks and pores are thus induced, resulting in the poorest slag resistance. It is concluded that the introduction of nano-Cr₂O₃ as pre-synthesized aggregate significantly improves the densification and resistance of magnesia-calcia bricks to low-basicity slag corrosion.