Magnesiothermic Preparation of Chromium Powders

We have studied the process underlying the preparation of chromium powders via the magnesium vapor reduction of the Cr2O3 and MgCr2O4 chromium oxide compounds in the temperature range from 700 to 800°C and residual argon pressures in the reactor from 5 to 20 kPa. The chromium powders obtained by reducing the MgCr2O4 chromite have a specific surface area at a level of 34 m2/g and are characterized by a mesoporous structure.