Composition and microstructure of a periclase–composite spinel brick used in the burning zone of a cement rotary kiln

The composition and microstructure of a periclase–composite spinel brick used in the burning zone of a cement rotary kiln were investigated and compared to the original brick. The results indicate that cement clinker and alkali salts are two important agents that cause corrosion especially of the bonding phase of refractories in cement rotary kilns. When the molar ratio of alkalis to anions ((Na+K)/(Cl+2S)) is more than one, alkali salts accumulated in the pores, cracks and grain boundaries of the refractory but the severe corrosion of the bonding phase of the refractory did not occur in zones with lower temperatures. The interaction between the cement clinker and the refractory formed a liquid, which, together with alkali salts, improved sintering. The reaction between the cement clinker and the refractory formed a dense reaction layer. Cracks formed in the dense layer and extended through the boundary between the reaction and non-reaction (penetrated) layers by mechanical and thermal stress, which caused the spalling of the reaction and coating layer from the refractory. The recurrence of this process during service leads to degradation of the refractory.