Corrosion of molybdenum electrodes in an aluminosilicate glass melt

Abstract

The corrosion of molybdenum electrodes in an aluminosilicate melt was studied with the aid of electrochemical methods at temperatures up to 1600 °C. The glass melt investigated contained polyvalent ions which enabled redox reactions with the electrode material. A layer of molybdenum oxide is formed on the electrode in contact with the glass melt. The layer partially dissolves in the glass melt and eventually evaporates into the furnace atmosphere. Dissolution of the oxide layer is assumed to be the step which determines the rate of the corrosion process.