Kinetic investigation of the carbothermal reduction of an Iranian clay

The kinetics of the carbothermal reduction of clay under argon atmosphere has been investigated by the X-ray diffraction method. The clay-carbon (excess) mixture was formed into 2 cm diameter disks of different thicknesses. Experimental data evidences the significant effect of sample thickness on the reaction rate at 1400 °C. Decreasing thickness promotes mullite dissociation and formation of SiC and alumina powders. Mathematical modeling of the reaction system showed the gas diffusion in the Knudsen regime through the pellet to be the rate controlling step. Diffusivity of CO and reacted core tortuosity factor have been calculated.