Question

Magnesium oxide is used for the lining of steel-making furnaces. Explain?

Answer 1

• Magnesium oxide (${\mathrm{MgO}}_2$) has a high melting point ($2500°\mathrm{C}-3000°\mathrm{C}$), hence, it is resistant to heat.
• Due to this, they have high electrostatic attraction between ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$ ion and ${\mathrm{O}}^{2-}$ ion. $\mathrm{MgO}$ is a basic flux.
• So, it will remove impurities of Silicon($\mathrm{S}$) and Phosphorous($\mathrm{P}$) through slag formation.