What are the wear mechanisms?
Although there are variations in how wear mechanisms are described, generally five categories are sufficient: Abrasion the direct or sliding impact of dry material against the refractory. Erosion the washing of a liquid against the refractory. Corrosion a chemical reaction that changes the properties of the refractory. Thermal Cycling repeated changes in temperature that cause an accumulation of micro-cracks in the refractory. If the thermal cycling happens suddenly enough to break the refractory immediately, it is called thermal spalling. Load weight bearing in excess of the refractory compressive strength. Like most other physical properties, the compressive strength varies with temperature. These wear mechanisms can occur in combinations, or can be progressive, one leading to another. In almost all cases, higher temperatures increase the susceptibility of the refractory material to any particular wear mechanism. .
