Compatibility of graphite with primary platinum group metals industrial matte

Abstract

Wear resistance of synthetic graphite against liquid industrial platinum group metals furnace matte (Cu–Fe–Ni–S) was investigated from 800°C to 1450°C at a contact time of 1 hour. Graphite resistance was measured by the extent of liquid-matte penetration through the graphite, using Xray microtomography. The matte was molten at 900°C, and it penetrated through cracks in the graphite wall. The matte penetration depth into the graphite did not increase with temperature. The matte loss in the gas phase increased with temperature. During melting, the volume of the industrial matte expanded. As the matte expanded, it pushed against the wall of the graphite and penetrated through cracks in the graphite wall. Where the crucible volume was large enough to accommodate the expanded matte, the matte did not penetrate through the graphite. Graphite exhibited poor resistance against penetration by the liquid industrial platinum group metals furnace matte.