Mechanochemical synthesis of Fe–TiC composite from Egyptian ilmenite ore

Fe–TiC powder composite was successfully synthesized from mixtures of ilmenite concentrate (FeTiO3) and carbon black through mechanical activation and subsequent reduction at a temperature that was considerably lower than that used in conventional carbothermic reduction synthesis. Mixed ilmenite powder and carbon black were milled in a planetary ball mill for 10–40 h milling time. The activated powders were then synthesized at 1200 and 1300 °C for 3 h in tube furnace under argon atmosphere. The synthesized powders were characterized using TGA–DTA, XRD and SEM techniques. It was found that the formation of TiC at 1200 °C increases by increasing mechanical activation time up to 30 h and no significant change was observed with increasing the milling time to 40 h. On the other hand increasing the reduction temperature up to 1300 °C leads to a lower formation of TiC.

► The reduction of nonmilled ilmenite at 1200 °C produces metallic iron, Ti2O3 andTi3O5. ► TiC phase observed and increases by increasing milling time up to 30 h. ► Increasing milling time has no significant effect on the formed TiC. ► Increasing reduction temperature up to 1300 °C decreases TiC formation. ► Mechanical activation decreased the formation temperature of TiC to 1200 °C.