Influence of microwave irradiation on ilmenite surface properties

- Microwave irradiation converts Fe2+ to Fe3+ ions on ilmenite surface.
- Fe3+ ions react with oleate ions forming Fe(Ol)3 layer more stable than Fe(Ol)2 layer.
- The more oleate adsorption after irradiation improves the ilmenite hydrophobicity.
- The study of ilmenite surface by XPS, FTIR, zeta and contact angle measurement.