INTERACTION OF METAL MELT WITH ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE REFRACTORIES IN AN EXTERNAL TRAP

The results of an investigation of the interaction of metal melt of reactor materials with zirconium dioxide refractories (ceramic, concrete) in an atmosphere with various oxygen contents at temperatures up to 2600 K are presented. The experiments showed that the melt Zr + 2.5% Nb at 2273 K does not give rise to erosion of the ceramic; at 2500–2600 K, it permeates and dissolves the ceramic. Erosion of concrete starts at the melting point of the alloy. A melt of reactor steel does not interact with refractories. Under certain conditions, capillary permeation of steel into refractories occurs. At temperatures above 2500 K, a steel–20% Zr melt gives rise to erosion of zirconium dioxide concrete.