Document Center is acquired by Nimonik

This document describes methods for the determination of mineralogical phases often present as additives or reaction products in carbon containing or graphitic refractory products by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) using a Bragg-Brentano diffractometer. It includes details of sample preparation and general principles for qualitative and quantitative analysis of mineralogical phase composition. Quantitative determination of α-Si₃N₄, β-Si₃N₄, AlN, aluminium metal, Al₄C₃, silicon metal, boron carbide and BN are described. The problems encountered with some determinations are highlighted.

Additional reduced species present in some refractories could include Al₂O₃â..AlN solid solutions (so called Alons), Si₃N₄â..SiO₂ solid solutions and Si₃N₄â..Al₂O₃ solid solutions (Sialons). The presence of some of these solid solution components will cause problems with both identification and quantification as they are not well-defined structures.

NOTE      For rationalisation of nitrogen containing phases, the total nitrogen content, analysed in accordance with EN 12698-1 is used.