We need to heat our samples lying in the ternary system U-Fe-O up to 2000 °C. The main problem is related to the interaction between the crucible and the samples. The problem comes out as soon as liquid (containing Fe) appears. W-crucibles have been used once but there is an evident reaction. The best should be UO2-crucibles but they are expensive and administratively complex to handle. The other possibility is the deposition of an Ir-layer on a W-crucible, but it is of course an expensive solution as well. Do you have any suggestion or experience in handling HT liquid containing Fe?
You can possibly consider the use of magnesia ceramic crucibles, although some degree of contamination by the crucible material and the inherent corrosion can be expected for the higher temperatures.
Graphite will certainly react. I agree that MgO should be applicable as should BeO. I can think of little else that could make it to 2000°C except maybe ThO2.
If you decide to go with MgO crucibles consider the fact that Fe would react with the crucible (to form of magnesiowustite or magensioferrite depending on your oxygen partial pressure). This might be of a great concern because your system would be U-Fe-Mg-O. I am afraid to say that lining the crucible with a metallic layer might be your way to go.
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