Kinetics of the oxidation of ilmenite

The oxidation of ilmenite (FeTiO₃) in air and dry oxygen was investigated over the temperature interval 600 to 970°C. Dense platelets of ilmenite crystals as well as powder samples of ilmenite were oxidized. The weight data were recorded employing a thermobalance. The oxidation kinetics of ilmenite platelets were parabolic except for the initial stages during which logarithmic kinetics were observed. For powder samples the logarithmic rate law was followed primarily. The logarithmic rate law was attributed to free penetration of oxygen through cracks and short-circuit paths. The activation energies associated with the logarithmic rate law were nearly one-half of those obtained from parabolic oxidation. The growth morphology of the products of oxidation of ilmenite was observed with a scanning electron microscope. The effect of growth morphology on the kinetics is discussed, and a probable reaction mechanism is suggested for the oxidation of ilmenite.