LAUSR

The carbothermic reduction of vanadium titanomagnetite concentrate (VTC) with the assistance of Na 2 CO 3 was conducted in an argon atmosphere between 1073 and 1473 K. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the phase transformations during the reaction. By investigating the reaction between VTC and Na 2 CO 3 , it was concluded that molten Na 2 CO 3 broke the structure of titanomagnetite by combining with the acidic oxides (Fe 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and SiO 2 ) to form a Na-rich melt and release FeO and MgO. Therefore, Na 2 CO 3 accelerated the reduction rate. In addition, adding Na 2 CO 3 also benefited the agglomeration of iron particles and the slag—metal separation by decreasing the viscosity of the slag. Thus, Na 2 CO 3 assisted carbothermic reduction is a promising method for treating VTC at low temperatures.