Core consumables and performance analysis in the high-temperature experiment of the corundum ark

　　The corundum boat is a laboratory consumable made of high-purity aluminum oxide. Due to its excellent high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength, it plays a key role in high-temperature experiments, material preparation, and industrial production.

　　I. Material Properties and Structural Advantages

　　The core material of the corundum boat is α-aluminum oxide (commonly known as corundum), which has a stable crystal structure and the following significant characteristics:

　　High-temperature performance: The corundum boat can operate stably for extended periods at temperatures exceeding 1600℃, far exceeding the temperature limits of traditional experimental containers. For example, when preparing lithium-ion battery and capacitor materials, it can carry graphite paper and carbon powder for high-temperature reactions.

　　Chemical inertness: It does not easily react with other chemicals at high temperatures and is suitable for acidic, alkaline, or corrosive environments, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental data.

　　Thermal shock resistance: The corundum boat can withstand rapid cooling and heating changes without cracking, resulting in a long service life. For example, even after repeated heating to 1200℃ and natural cooling in a tube furnace, it can maintain its structural integrity.

　　High density and high strength: Through the slip casting process, the bulk density of the corundum boat can reach more than 3.80 g/cm³, with a bending strength exceeding 350 MPa and a compressive strength as high as 12000 MPa. It can withstand material impact at high temperatures.

　　II. Application Scenarios and Typical Cases

　　Corundum boats are widely used in the following fields:

　　Material preparation: When preparing lithium-ion battery anode materials, the corundum boat can be used as a reaction vessel to carry silicon powder, graphite paper, and carbon powder for high-temperature reactions to produce SiC@SiO₂-CSNWs composite materials.

　　High-temperature experiments: In a muffle furnace, the corundum boat is used for sample heating, sintering, and chemical reactions, ensuring uniform sample heating. For example, in ceramic pigment calcination experiments, it can withstand high temperatures of 1200-1800℃.

　　Industrial production: In the aerospace field, corundum boats are used to prepare high-temperature insulation materials, such as heat insulation plates for aero-engine combustion chambers and conical tail nozzles for rocket engines.

　　III. Advantages and Economic Benefits

　　High efficiency and stability: The high-temperature resistance and chemical stability of the corundum boat can significantly reduce the experimental failure rate. For example, it can maintain stable performance even after continuous use for more than 10 times in a tube furnace.

　　Cost savings: Compared with traditional graphite crucibles, corundum boats have a longer service life and lower maintenance costs. For example, in high-temperature sintering experiments, the service life of a corundum boat is 3-5 times that of a graphite crucible.

　　Safe and reliable: The thermal shock resistance and high strength of the corundum boat effectively prevent cracking or leakage during experiments, ensuring the safety of experimental personnel.

　　IV. Maintenance Points and Precautions

　　Cleaning and maintenance: After use, residual materials should be cleaned promptly to prevent high-temperature carbonization from increasing the surface roughness of the boat and affecting the next use.

　　Avoid mechanical damage: During handling and storage, prevent the corundum boat from colliding with hard objects to avoid micro-cracks and reduce its service life.

　　Temperature control: In high-temperature experiments, operate strictly according to the heating procedure to avoid excessive thermal stress in the boat due to excessively fast heating and cooling rates. For example, in a tube furnace, the heating rate should be controlled at 5-10℃/min.

　　With its excellent material properties and wide range of applications, the corundum boat has become an indispensable core consumable in high-temperature experiments and industrial production. Through reasonable use and maintenance, its performance advantages can be fully utilized to provide reliable assurance for scientific research and industrial production.