Kinetics of carbon monoxide decomposition in refractories

The process of carbon deposition of refractory in pure carbon monoxide atmosphere was studied experimentally and theoretically in an effort to more fully understand the disintegration of refractories when exposed to CO for long periods of time. The mass change of each refractory sample during carburization was measured by a thermo-balance over a temperature range from 673 to 973K. On the basis of the experimental results, a kinetics model was established according to the possible steps of carbon deposition reaction with catalyst existing. Chemical adsorption, chemical reaction and diffusion constitute the rate-controlling process for carbon deposition respectively. The corresponding activation energies and rate constants have been determined from experimental data. The rate equations obtained agreed well with experimental results.