Isothermal kinetics of carbothermic reduction of ilmenite concentrate with the addition of sodium carbonate.

In this study, the effect of the addition of Na 2 CO 3 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 Na 2 CO 3 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 Na 2 CO 3. At 0%, 3%, and 6% Na 2 CO 3 , the apparent activation energies were 105.01, 112.07, and 123.48 kJ/mol, respectively. [Display omitted] • The mechanism and kinetics of the ilmenite concentrate with Na 2 CO 3 were studied. • The addition of Na 2 CO 3 reduces the reaction initial temperature, promotes reduction. • Improve the reaction kinetics by enhancing the carbon gasification reaction. • Different mechanisms transformation with different addition of Na 2 CO 3 is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]