Solid State Diffusion in the Reduction of Magnetite

Parabolic rate constants were determined for the formation of wüstite by the solid state reaction between magnetite and iron. The reaction was diffusion controlled and inert marker studies indicated that the mass transport through the wüstite layer was accomplished by means of iron migration. Relationships between rate constants and self-diffusivities are discussed. The transport capacity for iron through dense wüstite layers was found to be sufficient to carry on reduction, even in gaseous reduction processes.