Abstract

The progressive depletion of primary sources to obtain metals has led to the search for alternative sources for their recovery. In the particular case of titanium, titaniferous sands are a viable option for obtaining this metal. This paper presents the results of the dissolution of titanium from titaniferous sands of Buenos Aires province (Argentina) in a laboratory autoclave (450 mL of capacity). The operating parameters studied were as follows: different acids (HF, H2SO4 and mixtures of these acids); leaching agent concentration, 5-20% v/v; temperature, 75-150 degrees C; time, 30-180 min; solid-liquid ratio, 0.9-3.6% w/v; stirring speed, 110-550 rpm. The obtained results indicate that the increase in the leaching agent(s) concentration, temperature and time of contact with the acid mixtures have a marked effect on the dissolution reaction of titanium. Optimal conditions to achieve 89% extraction of titanium were obtained by leaching at 123 degrees C, 330 rpm, 80 min and 1.8% w/v with a mixture of 15% HF (v/v) and 10% H2SO4 (v/v).