Magnesium production by carbothermic reduction in vacuum

Abstract

In present work, we investigate production of magnesium by carbothermic reduction under vacuum conditions. The process was divided into two parts, one is reduction process, and the other one is condensation process. The experimental results revealed that during reduction process, the gas–solid reaction between MgO and CO was not occurred at a temperature and pressure of 1723 K and 30–100 Pa respectively. So the main reduction reaction was MgO(s) + C(s) = Mg(g) + CO(g) (under vacuum) and reaction type belonged to solid–solid reaction. In Condensation Process, according to a contrast and analysis, the condensation quality of magnesium is associated with CO concentration. The resultant product C was formed and it followed magnesium vapor condensation which prevents mutual combination of two metal droplets to forms the compact condensation produces. Therefore, in order to compact morphological forms of magnesium crystal whiskers, we must control the technical conditions and find the method to separate the magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide. That's the key factor to get better crystalline structure.

Keywords

• Metal magnesium
• Carbothermic reduction
• Condensation
• Vacuum