Why must furnace linings resist corrosion from molten materials and gases?

Furnace linings must resist corrosion because they are exposed to extremely harsh environments in industries such as metallurgy and glassmaking, where they come into direct contact with corrosive molten materials and gases at very high temperatures.1

If a refractory material is not chemically inert, it will participate in the processing reactions, leading to erosion and corrosion of the furnace lining. This degradation compromises the structural integrity of the furnace, which can lead to premature failure and costly downtime. By utilizing materials with high chemical inertness and, in some cases, high density to minimize porosity, manufacturers ensure that the furnace lining can withstand these aggressive chemical attacks, thereby maintaining a reliable service life for the equipment.231