Abstract: Inorganic fibers which have a silicon extraction of greater than about 0.02 wt % Si/day in physiological saline solutions. The fiber contains SiO.sub.2, MgO, CaO, and at least one of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, iron oxides, or mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are inorganic fibers which have diameters of less than 3.5 microns and which pass the ASTM E-119 two hour fire test when processed into a fiber blanket having a bulk density in the range of about 1.5 to 3 pcf.

Abstract: A process is described for the reduction or prevention of deterioration of refractory metal components of an electric furnace by chromia-containing oxide melts. The process is based on the discovery of an unexpected series of oxidation/reduction reactions leading to formation of chromium trioxide and subsequent oxidation of the refractory metal (e.g., molybdenum or tungsten) by the chromium trioxide. The process comprises adding to the mixture of oxides in the furnace a component which is oxidized to an oxide with a lower free energy of formation per mole of oxygen than the refractory metal oxides (such as MoO.sub.2, MoO.sub.3, WO.sub.2 or WO.sub.3) and chromia, and which thus reduces CrO.sub.3 to a compound which is inert to the refractory metal. In a preferred embodiment the additive is a carbonaceous material and may be in the form of powdered coal. The stoichiometric amount of additive will be about 20 to 50 percent by weight of the percent by weight of chromia present.