Carbothermic Reduction of Panzhihua Oxidized Ilmenite in a Microwave Field

Abstract

The reductions of Panzhihua coke bearing oxidized ilmenite pellets in a microwave field at the temperature ranging from 800 to 1100°C were studied. The reduction of composite pellets by conventional heating at 900 to 1200°C was also investigated as a comparison. A higher reduction reaction rate has obtained in the microwave field. Lower temperature and shorter time were demand for the microwave reduction of ilmenite due to the hotpots in the composite pellets inside the microwave field. The microwave irradiation has some special effect on phase and morphology change. The presence of crack and holes in composite pellets inside microwave field are beneficial due to the atmosphere diffusion and subsequent procedures such as separation of Fe metal and titanium oxide.