A study on the oxidation of ilmenite in air

Abstract

This thesis is a study of the oxidation of ilmenite in the temperature range 500°C to 1000°C in air. The rate of the oxidation has been studied by thermogravimetric means using both synthetic and natural ilmenite. By the use of X-ray powder diffraction and Mossbauer the nature and sequence of phases formed was studied. The X-ray pattern of a previously unreported phase that appears as an intermediate in the reaction, has been compared with those of other oxides, especially the oxides described as the Magneli phases. A mechanism for the oxidation has been suggested.