Question

In the steel making process, the furnace is lined by magnesium oxide. Justify its role.

Answer 1

$MgO$ is used to make linings for blast furnaces because it is resistant to heat. $MgO$ due to its high melting point of around $2500-{2800}^{o}C$ is resistant to the high temperature in a blast furnace. Its melting point is too high due to the presence of strong ionic bonds between the small $M{g}^{2+}$ and $O^{2-}$ ions.