The physical chemistry of the carbothermic route to magnesium

The carbothermic route to magnesium has significant potential to produce low-cost magnesium, but critical issues associated with the physical chemistry of various proposed processes and practical engineering dilemmas have prevented this route from being commercialized. This paper will examine the basic chemistry of carbothermic reduction of magnesia to produce magnesium. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the reduction reaction, the kinetics of reversion, the kinetics of condensation and the distribution of impurities between phases will be critically reviewed and their potential impact on industrial processing discussed.