Kinetics and reaction mechanism of isothermal oxidation of Iranian ilmenite concentrate powder

Thermal oxidation of commercial ilmenite concentrate from Kahnouj titanium mines, Iran, at 500–950 °C was investigated for the first time. Fractional conversion was calculated from mass change of the samples during oxidation. Maximum FeO to Fe₂O₃ conversion of 98.63 % occurred at 900 °C after 120 min. Curve fit trials together with SEM line scan results indicated constant-size shrinking core model as the closest kinetic mechanism of the oxidation process. Below 750 °C, chemical reaction with activation energy of 80.65 kJ mol^?1 and between 775 and 950 °C, ash diffusion with activation energy of 53.50 kJ mol^?1 were the prevailing mechanisms. X-ray diffraction patterns approved presence of pseudobrookite, rutile, hematite, and Fe₂O₃·2TiO₂ phases after oxidation of ilmenite concentrate at 950 °C.