Phase Transitions and Microstructural Changes During Oxidation and Reduction of a Weathered Ilmenite Concentrate

Abstract The present work aims to investigate the link between oxidation and reduction of a weathered ilmenite concentrate in terms phase transitions, microstructural changes, element distribution. An sample was pelletized fired at 1000 °C air, as result, pellets were oxidized. oxidized reduced by hydrogen gas °C, which yielded almost complete metallization iron content pellets. ore characterized each step XRD SEM techniques, distribution elements phases investigated. Ilmenite, pseudorutile, rutile main detected sample, depending on weathering degree particles, different fractions identified their microstructure. It found that irregular grains dispersed pseudobrookite matrix is morphology phase. However, increasing microcracks porosities only changes pseudorutile after air. Studying specific types particles forms indicated dictates ones. Results show includes titanium (III) oxide globules are dispersed.