Lei Xing

The composition of TBFS is complex. It is categorized into low (W_(TiO2) < 5%), medium (5% < W_(TiO2) < 20%), and high-titanium slag (W_(TiO2) > 20%) based on Ti content. The titanium in the slag is underutilized, causing it to accumulate and contribute to environmental pollution. Current methods for extracting titanium from TBFS include acid leaching, alkali fusion roasting, high-temperature carbonation–low-temperature chlorination, electrochemical molten salt electrolysis, and selective enrichment. However, these methods still face challenges such as environmental impact, high costs, low Ti recovery, and low Ti grade. This paper summarizes the mechanisms and characteristics of the above methods. Future research should focus on integrating pyrometallurgy with beneficiation processes, followed by further purification of titanium-rich phases through hydrometallurgy. Additionally, combining this with novel separation technologies (such as microwave and superconducting magnetic separation) will optimize the dissociation of titanium-bearing phases after enrichment.

The problem of large stockpiles of red mud needs to be solved, and the use of red mud to prepare inorganic fibers is a new way of applying red mud on a large scale. The role of CaO/Al₂O₃ in the melting point and melt structure of red mud was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic calculations. Liquid phase line temperatures for different CaO/Al₂O₃ systems were calculated using the Factsage program. The radial distribution function and the type of oxygen bonding were used to characterize the effect of different CaO/Al₂O₃ on the structure of the red mud melt. The melting point of MgAl₂O₄ is lower than that of CaTiO₃ due to the fact that the type of oxygen bonding in MgAl₂O₄ is predominantly bridging oxygen bonds. When the red mud system has a low SiO₂ content and CaO/Al₂O₃ is between 0.3 and 3.9, the melting point temperature increases significantly, which is not conducive to the fibrillation of the red mud melt.