Synthesis of Titanium Oxycarbide from Concentrates of Natural Ilmenite (Weathered and Unweathered) and Natural Rutile, Using a Methane-Hydrogen Gas Mixture

Abstract

Unweathered ilmenite, weathered ilmenite, and a rutile-rich (zircon-containing) concentrate were reduced with 39 pct H2-6 pct CH4 (balance Ar) reduction gas at 1473 K (1200 °C). Despite differences in initial iron content, phase composition, and thermal stability of the phases, the main steps of the reaction sequence for the three materials were the same. The metallic iron product could be removed by leaching. In all cases, the product after leaching was a carbon-rich titanium oxycarbide.