Effect of mechanical activation on carbothermal reduction of chromite with graphite

Abstract

The carbothermal reduction of mechanically activated chromite with graphite under an argon atmosphere was investigated at temperatures between 1100 and 1400 degrees C and the effects of the mechanical activation on chromite structure were analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and specific surface area measurement. An increase in specific surface area resulted in more contact points. The activation procedure led to amorphisation and structural disordering in chromite, and accelerated the degree of reduction and metallisation in the mixture of chromite and graphite.