Production of iron oxide pigment from the metallic component of ilmenite smelting
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51301/ejsu.2025.i1.02Keywords:
iron alloy, sulfuric acid, ferrous sulfate, precipitation, goethite, pigmentAbstract
The smelting of off-grade ilmenite concentrates from the Obukhovskoye deposit results in the generation of significant quantities of reduced iron, which presents an opportunity for its utilization in the production of iron oxide pigments. The transformation of industrial waste into value-added materials aligns with contemporary trends in sustainable materials science. This study investigates the precipitation of divalent iron from sulfuric and hydrochloric acid solutions using ammonia to form goethite, focusing on the influence of magnesium impurities on the precipitation process. The presence of magnesium was found to inhibit the formation of goethite, leading to a significant reduction in pigment yield and quality. A ferriferous solution was prepared by dissolving finely divided reduced iron in sulfuric acid, followed by the precipitation of iron oxides using a 25% ammonia solution. The synthesized iron oxide pigment was further refined through hydrogen peroxide treatment, ensuring a more uniform pigment composition and improved color stability. This approach offers a viable method for the recycling of industrial by-products while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns related to waste disposal. The findings contribute to the advancement of resource-efficient pigment synthesis techniques, demonstrating the potential for utilizing metallurgical waste as a precursor for high-quality iron oxide pigments suitable for various industrial applications.
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