Preparation of Magnesium Titanate by Using Magnesium Chloride a Byproduct of Titanium Plant
Abstract
This study explores the preparation of magnesium titanate using magnesium chloride, a byproduct of the titanium production plant as a precursor. The synthesis involves the reaction of MgCl2 with titanium tetrachloride under controlled thermal conditions. Initially, MgCl2 and TiCl4 are thoroughly mixed in stoichiometric proportions with an excess of oxalic acid solution to produce magnesium titanyl oxalate. The mixture is then subjected to a calcination process at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 1000 °C in an oxygen-rich environment. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized MgTiO3 were analyzed using EDS, XRD, TG/DTA, SEM, and particle size analysis. This comprehensive set of analytical techniques provides a thorough understanding of the elemental, structural, thermal, morphological and physical characteristics of magnesium titanate. The formation of pure magnesium titanate is confirmed at temperatures above 800 °C, with lower temperatures leading to the presence of intermediate phases such as MgTi2O5. The synthesized MgTiO3 exhibits a homogeneous microstructure with well-defined grain boundaries, indicating successful preparation of the desired ceramic material.