Abstract: The microwave-assisted carbothermic reduction of ilmenite was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis under argon atmosphere. A comparison between microwave assisted reduction and the conventional one was made. It was demonstrated that the instantaneously volumetric heating of microwaves could significantly enhance the overall reduction process. By microwave application, the reduction could take place at much lower temperatures and the activation energy for the process could be lowered.The mechanism of the reduction was discussed according to the experimental data.

Key words: microwave, carbothermic reduction, ilmenite