Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Slag from Ilmenite by Thermal Plasma Processing

Titanium rich slag has emerged as a raw material for alternative titanium source. Ilmenite contains 42-50% TiO2 as the mineralogical composition depending on the geographical resources. Application of titanium in paper, plastic, pigment and other various industries is increasing day by day. Due to the scarcity of natural raw mineral rutile (TiO2), ilmenite is considered as precursor for the extraction of TiO2. Ilmenite is reduced at the initial stage for the conversion of complex iron oxide into simpler form. Therefore, pre-reduction of ilmenite concentrate is essential to minimize the energy consumption during thermal plasma process. Thermal plasma processing of ilmenite for the production of titania rich slag is considered to be the direct route to meet the current demand of industrial needs of titanium. Titania rich slag contains 70-80% TiO2 as the major component with some other minor impurities, like oxide phases of Si, Al, Cr, Mg, Mn, Ca, etc. Usually titanium is present in tetravalent forms with globular metallic iron in the slag. Titania rich slag undergoes leaching for the removal of iron and transforming the slag into synthetic rutile having 85-95% of TiO2.