Study on mechanism of mechanical activation

A mixture of ilmenite and graphite with a mass ratio (1:1) was ball milled at room temperature and subsequently annealed under Ar flow. The enhanced carbothermic reactions were monitored by using thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. A series of reduction reactions occurs with a higher reaction rate in a temperature range lower than that without pre-milling. A longer milling time leads to a lower reaction temperature. This effect of mechanical activation induced by ball milling results from a composite structure formed during the milling process.