Reactions of magnesium in different atmospheres

In this investigation the oxidation behavior of magnesium particles is studied. Non-isothermal measurements using simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) with varying atmospheres, heating rates and particle sizes have been carried out. These allowed the characterization of the oxidation reaction of magnesium during combustion and revealed that measurements carried out under carbon dioxide show a different oxidation behavior than those under air. Therefore calculations of TGA curves usinga Jander 3D model in Mathematica and kinetic adjustment of the TGA curve by Fortran code of an autocatalytic model were used to find kinetic parameters. The kinetic parameters of the reaction of magnesium under air could be calculated by Jander 3D model and by FindMinimum of Mathematica. Furthermore the activation energy of the oxidation of magnesium could be calculated. High temperature X-ray diffraction analysis on the powders reveals the formation of magnesium carbides in the oxidation reaction under carbon dioxide.