Mechanochemical reactions in the system FeTiO3-Si

Mechanochemical reactions in the system FeTiO 3 -Si have been investigated as functions of the powder composition and milling conditions, using x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. Reduction reactions of FeTiO 3 by Si were observed during room-temperature milling with the formation of α-Fe, amorphous SiO x , nanocrystalline TiO 2 , or intermetallic compounds, depending on the Si content. The mechanochemical reaction process consists of a mechanical activation stage and a reaction stage. Higher milling intensity leads to a shorter activation step and a higher reaction rate.