An experimental test system was designed to simulate the operating conditions found in nonslagging coal gasifiers. The reaction products that form when refractory linings in coal gasifiers are exposed to alkali impurities (sodium or potassium) were experimentally determined. Analysis of selected physical and chemical properties of the reaction products, which typically form between the alkali and the refractory will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind refractory failures associated with alkali attack. The reaction products sodium aluminate (Na₂O·Al₂O₃), N₂C₃A₅ (2Na₂O·3CaO·5A1₂O₃), nepheline (Na₂0·Al₂0₃·2SiO₂), potassium aluminate, (K₂Oâ·Al₂0₃), and kaliophilite (K₂O·Al₂0₃·2Si0₂) were synthesized and their solubility in water and coefficients of linear thermal expansion were: measured. Of the compounds tested, the formation of potassium aluminate would be the most detrimental to the gasifier lining. The linear thermal expansion of potassium aluminate was 2.05% from room temperature to 800°C, which was twice as large as the other compounds. Potassium aluminate also possessed the highest solubility in water which was 8.893/L at 90°C. / Master of Science