Combustion of a mixture of aluminum and a titanium–containing raw material in the presence of additives

A model of the gas-phase component of combustion of an aluminum mixture with metal oxides is described. By the example of titanium reduction from its oxide, it is shown that atomic oxygen formed thereby facilitates gas-phase oxidation of aluminum and decreases metal yield. The effect of graphite, activated carbon, and diesel fuel on combustion-wave velocity and temperature is considered. Two waves (cold and hot ones) are observed in the system titanium oxide–ferric oxide–aluminum–carbon–containing additives. Hydrocarbon additives inhibit the aluminum-oxidation reaction by oxygen contained in air in the first wave, and graphite and activated carbon play the same role in the second wave in the titanium-reduction reaction. Experimental confirmation is found for the fact that the action of additives increases the amount of aluminum consumed directly for titanium reduction in the second wave, which enhances exothermality of the process.