Reduction of iron oxide in carbon monoxide atmosphere—reaction controlled kinetics

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the reduction of Fe2O3 in a continuous stream of 100% CO was conducted at temperatures ranging from 800 to 900 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis of solids identified the presence of iron, graphite and a carbide of iron as the products of reactions. A kinetic model based on the first-order irreversible rate kinetics was developed and fitted to the TGA data so as to estimate the rate constants for each reduction reaction. The reaction pathways considered in this analysis involved reduction of iron oxides, Boudouard reaction and iron-carbide formation. The rate parameters were calculated and compared with data reported in literature.