Basic study on microwave carbon-thermal reduction senarmontite (Sb2O3) to produce antimony: High-temperature dielectric properties and a microwave reduction mechanism

Minerals with high thermal conductivities and outstanding dielectric properties have tremendous potential for microwave metallurgy. The thermogravimetric and dielectric properties and heating characteristics of a mixture ore of Sb2O3 and senarmontite were investigated at various temperatures. The mechanism of action for senarmontite and carbon powders during microwave heating is proposed. Based on the results, the authors divided microwave reduction of senarmontite by carbon powder into three stages: 25 degrees C-705 degrees C, 705 degrees C-800 degrees C, and 800 degrees C-1000 degrees C. Between 700 degrees C and 800 degrees C, the dielectric properties of the mixture ore of Sb2O3 reached the optimal level. Moreover, the microstructure and the structure of the reduced metal from microwave carbon-thermal reduction were characterized via XRD and SEM. According to the results of this study, microwave carbon-thermal reduction of senarmontite (Sb2O3) is a promising approach for producing antimony with excellent properties. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigated the thermogravimetric and dielectric properties of a mixture ore of Sb2O3 and senarmontite under microwave heating, proposing a mechanism of action for senarmontite and carbon powders. The microwave reduction of senarmontite by carbon powder was divided into three stages, with optimal dielectric properties of the mixture ore reaching between 700°C and 800°C. Characterization of the reduced metal was done via XRD and SEM, showing microwave carbon-thermal reduction of senarmontite as a promising approach for producing antimony with excellent properties.