Abstract for presentation at Chemeca 2007

Pentlandite Oxidation Kinetics in the Temperature Range 530-600°C

  • Dr Yung Ngothai, University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Fang Xia, University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Allan Pring, South Australian Museum, Australia
  • Dr Brian O'Neill, University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Joël Brugger, South Australian Museum, Australia
  • Guorong Chen, East China University, China
  • Dr Chris Colby, University of Adelaide, Australia

    • The kinetics of pentlandite oxidation in the temperature range 530-600°C was studied. The oxidation progress was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld quantitative phase analysis. The rate constants and Avrami indexes were obtained using the Avrami method. The activation energy of the oxidation was calculated from the Arrhenius equation. The effects of particle size, crucible material (quartz, zircon, alumina and platinum) and heights on oxidation kinetics are discussed. The results are compared with those of the other sulfide oxidations and discussed in terms of crystal structures. The kinetics is extrapolated to room temperature (25°C) at which the reaction is expected to reach completion in tens of million years.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd