Work of ZrO2 refractories, stabilized by Nd2O3 under conditions of prolonged high temperature effects

A technology for manufacturing zirconium refractories from Nb2O3-stabilized ZrO2 is described. The thermal stability of the material is sufficient for long service involving considerable (200-300 deg C/mm) temperature gradients. Articles based upon zirconium-neodym solid solution are reusable. It is shown that in neutral environment at 2100-2500 deg C ZrO2 remains stable, since no considerable evaporation of Nd2O3 takes place. The essence of solid phase processes occurring at 2100-2500 deg C in articles from a mixture of 70% cubic solid solution (88 mol% ZrO2/12 mol% NbO2) with 30% of non-stabilized ZrO2, roasted at 1750 deg C is that Nb2O3 is redistributed between the solid solution Nb2Zr2O7-ZrO2 and the non-stabilized ZrO2, a part of Nd2O3 diffusing into the working zone from less heated areas