The reduction of Al2O3 to aluminum in a plasma

The reduction of aluminum oxide to aluminum in radio frequency generated plasmas was studied experimentally. Argon with hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane were used as plasma gases. Product was collected from the reactor walls and/or cold-finger collectors. Gaseous quenching was also investigated, using hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Conversions up to 50 pct were determined using wet chemistry. Optical and X-ray methods confirmed the species present during and after reaction. The effects of particle size, flow rates, and power input were determined. Solutions of energy, momentum, and mass balances yield a qualitative explanation of the process. Vaporization rate controls. Formerly at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Arbor, Mich.