Kinetics of manganese oxide reduction from basic slags by carbon dissolved in liquid iron

The reduction of manganese oxide from a basic slag by carbon dissolved in liquid iron is a slow reaction, failing to approach equilibrium closely in 20 hr. Furthermore, the rate of stirring has no apparent effect on the reaction rate. This identifies the rate-controlling step as a chemical reaction at the interface. Only the model for the reactionO ²⁻ =O + 2e ⁻ gave a consistent interpretation as the melt geometry, and concentration of manganese oxide and carbon were varied. The rate constant for this reaction was found to be 1.28 × 10⁻⁵ mole per sq cm per min at 155O°C. The effect of temperature is substantial with a calculated energy of activation for the system of 25 kcal per mole. Formerly Graduate Student, The University of Michigan This paper is based on a portion of a thesis submitted by W. L. DAINES in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Michigan.