Oxidation of Indian Ilmenite: Thermodynamics and Kinetics Considerations

Natural Ilmenite (FeO.TiO2) is the primary source for the extraction of titanium dioxide (T1O2). Oxidation-reduction process is used for production of synthetic rutile from ilmenite by separation of Fe-oxides from TiO2. In this paper thermodynamics and kinetic aspects of oxidation reactions of ilmenite are discussed. Ilmenite with53% TiO2 used for investigation is a bit different from conventio-nal feed materials used for up-gradation processes. The slag route is generally employed for processing of low grade ilmenite with < 50% TiO2 content. Whereas high grade ilmenite with > 58% TiO2 are used for production of syn-thetic rutile. Therefore detailed understanding oxidation - reduction behaviour of ilmenite is essential for selec-tion and optimisation of suitable up-gradation process.