Scand. J. Metall.

Desilicated zirconia (88.60-94.21 mass% ZrO2) and stabilized zirconia (ZrO2 greater than or equal to 91.54 mass%, MgO less than or equal to 5.39 mass%) have been produced successfully from zircon in a 150 kW plasma facility. Effects of temperature, time and carbon content on the removal of SiO2 from zircon have been investigated. According to preliminary applications in continuous-casting nozzles at a steel works, the obtained desilicated ZrO2 can substitute for traditional ZrO2 made by the chemical-purifying method. The main characteristics of the trial product meet the requirements for industrial production.Desilicated zirconia (88.60-94.21 mass% ZrO2) and stabilized zirconia (ZrO2 greater than or equal to 91.54 mass%, MgO less than or equal to 5.39 mass%) have been produced successfully from zircon in a 150 kW plasma facility. Effects of temperature, time and carbon content on the removal of SiO2 from zircon have been investigated. According to preliminary applications in continuous-casting nozzles at a steel works, the obtained desilicated ZrO2 can substitute for traditional ZrO2 made by the chemical-purifying method. The main characteristics of the trial product meet the requirements for industrial production