Application of Physico-chemical Principles in Extraction Metallurgy

Physical chemistry has two important tools namely, thermo-dynamics which indicates the possibility of a reaction, and kinetics giving the rate at which a reaction proceeds. This paper indicates how these tools can profitably by utilized for the extraction of metals. The authors illus-trate as to how physical chemistry has been helpful in the clear understanding of the high-temperature reactions and in searching out new methods for metal-winning. A fer instances where thermo-dynamic data have been applied for developing scientific extraction methods are pointed out and their limitations indicated. The instances cited include the separation of nickel and zinc from a mixture of their oxides, the preparation of titanium tetraoxide and the development of Pidgeons process for the production of magnesium.