Chemistry

Reduction of Chromic Oxide to Chromium Metal Aluminothermic Process

Chromic oxide is mixed with powdered Aluminium in the ratio 3:1 and is placed in a large fire clay crucible. A mixture of barium peroxide and Mg powder is placed over this. The crucible is surrounded by sand which prevents loss of heat by radiation. The mixture is ignited by a piece of Mg ribbon. During this process a large amount of heat is liberated, in which Cr2O3 is reduced to chromium.

The molten chromium is collected in the crucible and aluminium oxide is removed as slag.

Cr2O3 + 2Al →2Cr + Al2O3 + 468.6 kJ

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Here,

  1. BaO2 + Mg Powder
  2. Fireclay crucible
  3. Magnesium ribbon,
  4. Sand
  5. Cr2O3 + Al