Reduction kinetics of a natural ilmenite by graphite

Reduction of Bama ilmenite concentrate containing 49.78 mass% TiO(2) and 27.96 mass% total Fe by graphite was studied using thermogravimetric analysis system under argon gas ambient at elevated temperature. The reduction degree of Bama ilmenite enhanced with increasing temperature, the reaction rate varied with temperature and reduction time simultaneously. The phase transformation, the chemical composition, the microstructure and morphology of reduced samples were investigated by using X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Energy disperse spectroscopy respectively. The high impurities content of Bama ilmenite evidently bated the reduction of ilmenite. Forming the enrichment zone of manganese prevented complete reduction of Fe(2+). The reduction products were mostly reduced iron, rutile, reduced rutiles, Ti(3)O(5) and pseudobrookite solid solution. The reduction kinetics was also discussed. The results showed that the reduction temperature was a key factor to control reaction rate.