Powder Technology | 2021
Isothermal kinetics of carbothermic reduction of ilmenite concentrate with the addition of sodium carbonate
Abstract
Abstract In this study, the effect of the addition of Na2CO3 on the isothermal kinetics of carbothermic reduction of low-grade ilmenite concentrate is studied; this is a novel technique for obtaining high-quality upgraded titanium slag for chlorination through semi-molten states. The results indicate that the addition of Na2CO3 can reduce the initial temperature of the reaction and promote reduction, which is beneficial for improving the reaction kinetics by enhancing the carbon gasification reaction. The iron metal produced during the reaction tends to migrate and increase with the formation of the molten phase. The reduction of ilmenite concentrate gradually changes from being controlled by the interfacial chemical reaction to being controlled by diffusion with the increase in Na2CO3. At 0%, 3%, and 6% Na2CO3, the apparent activation energies were 105.01, 112.07, and 123.48 kJ/mol, respectively.