Abstract: A flexible member capable of withstanding a high temperature environment and/or a corrosive atmosphere or media is formed of a component in a desired shape and of a ceramic material having a modulus of elasticity of 150,000 to 200,000 MPa and a flexural strength of more than 400 MPa. The component is provided with at least one reduced thickness portion to impart to the component a desired degree of flexibility and/or elasticity.

Abstract: A measuring probe for a measuring head to detect the oxygen activity of metal melts has a reference substance of known oxygen activity, which upon submersion into the metal melt is separated from the metal melt by means of a refractory solid electrolyte that conducts electrons reliably and conducts primarily oxygen at higher temperatures and which permits the measurement of the electromotive force between the reference substance and a bath contact which makes contact with the metal melt. The surface of the solid electrolyte is subjected to a surface cleaning treatment, primarily by means of etching.

Abstract: An electrode for an electric arc furnace includes a cooled metal sheath covered with a refractory protective jacket. A plurality of refractory anchors are fixed to the exterior of the sheath, and the anchors are spaced from each other. The protective jacket includes an undercoat on the exterior of the sheath and a protective layer over the undercoat and extending between the anchors. The protective layer is formed of a refractory material such that, at the operating temperature of the electrode, the protective layer has an inner zone which is thermoplastic and an outer zone which is rigid or which is a high-viscosity melting phase.