In addition to the primarily undesirable accompanying substances, this slag also contains valuable titanium compounds which are important for recovery.
Titanium slag is a byproduct of metal extraction from titanium-rich ores (such as ilmenite or rutile) and is formed during thermal processes such as smelting or reduction. In addition to titanium, it often also contains compounds of silicates, aluminum, and iron oxides, forming a complex mixture that can be used in further processing or as a raw material source for certain industries.
Slag is formed in blast furnaces or arc furnaces during the reduction of titanium-rich ores. With the addition of reducing agents (e.g., carbon), the metallic components such as iron are transferred into the melt, while the remaining compounds, including titanium compounds and other oxides, separate from the metal as liquid slag. This slag solidifies after cooling.
Various steps and methods are combined to process the slag, for example:
