The reactions that took place in the spinel and in the carbon–spinel interface at high temperatures (1250–1800 ◦C) under low oxygen partial pressure (PO2 ≤ 10−16 MPa) are described in detail. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with microanalysis by energy dispersion (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction lattice parameter have been used to determine the extent of solid solubility of Al2O3 in MgAl2O4. The Al2O3/MgO spinel ratio at different temperatures in air and packed with carbon were also determined. The behavior of spinel under these reducing conditions was discussed.

Peer reviewed