Chlorination kinetics of aluminum bearing minerals

Abstract

The chlorination of domestic low-grade bauxite and kaolin clay was studied to determine the potential of these materials as sources of aluminum chloride for the chlorination/electrowinning route to aluminum metal. The reactivity of pure alumina was found to be representative of bauxite chlorination. Kaolin chlorinated in a complex manner at a much slower rate. Gamma alumina, which can be prepared, from bauxite or clay, offers the best potential for chlorination. © 1975 The Metallurgical Society of AIME.