The solubility of the oxides of the transition metals in fused chromium spinellide decreases in the following order: iron oxide, manganese oxide, vanadium oxide, and titanium oxide. This series corresponds to the well known series [12] of increasing atomic volumes of the elements.

Comparative accelerated tests were carried out on three batches of periclase obtained by IMCC.

The treatment of powders of electrical engineering periclase in the silicoorganic liquid GKZh-94 makes it possible to eliminate hydration during storage and to increase the electrical resistivity.

Some of the parts of the lot were stored for 2 years at room temperature and then their open porosity and mechanical strength were determined. A reduction in the properties of the parts was not observed. The compressive strength was 52-64 MPa and the open porosity 12.512.8%. The microstructure of the unfired chromite--periclase refractories is shown in Fig~ ~ The specimens consist of aggregate grains of periclase, an insignificant quantity of grains of chromospinelide, and the binder. The periclase grains are made up of crystals of different sizes, in some grains 0.03-0.05 mm and in others 0.05-0.2 mm. The binder consists of fine grains (0.01-0.i mm) of periclase, spinelide, and a finely dispersed substance. The silicates (forsterite significantly predominates over monticellite) are observed in the aggregate grains

Soft apodizing apertures were developed and investigated. They were based on the absorption induced in CaF2:Pr by ionizing radiation and their diameters were 2–5 cm. The transmission profiles of the apertures were determined at the wavelength of 1.06 μ. The optical quality of the apertures was determined, measurements were made of the damage thresholds and their use in high-power laser systems was studied. The damage threshold of CaF2:Pr apertures in focused laser beams was higher than the damage thresholds of laser glasses and these apertures did not bleach right up to the damage threshold. An increase in the efficiency of conversion to the second harmonic was observed when a soft aperture was placed in a laser beam.

The melt-cast MShL refractories of a magnesial spinel composition are characterized by a fine-grain, isometric structure with adequately developed direct contact between the high-refractory phases.

A study was made of the properties of guncrete compounds based on kyanite suitable for service in steel ladles. The best properties were possessed by a compound containing 80% kyanite, 10% clay, and 10% binder.

The authors investigate the properties of gunite masses based on Arkalyk clays with regard to service conditions in steel-teeming ladles used in open-hearth manufacture of steel. The optimal composition of the mass is as follows: 90% chamotte, 10% clay, and 10% binder (above 100%). Industrial tests have been performed on a mass for guniting 230-ton steel-teeming ladles of the MMC. The durability of a gunite layer 30–35 mm thick is about 6 pourings. The results confirm that Arkalyk clay is a promising material for making gunite masses.