Thermal-shock Behavior of Zirconia-based Solid Electrolyte for Use in Steelmaking Processes

The thermal-shock behavior of ZrO2-CaO and ZrO2-MgO pellets was investigated by immersing these pellets into liquid iron without preheating temperature or with preheating temperature. The moduli of rupture before and after the thermal-shock were measured by a three point bending technique. A good thermal-shock resistance was realized for partially stabilized zirconia containing 5 to 7mol% of stabilizer. The relationship between the thermal-shock resistance and the transport rate of gases through the cracks created during thermal-shock is discussed.