Preparation of Neodymium Metal by Pyro-Metallurgical Process Using Fluoride Salt

Abstract

The neodymium fluoride was reduced to metal by thermal reduction or pyro-metallurgical process using calcium as reducing agent. Thermal reduction was carried out in a sealed reactions chamber in inert atmosphere with a nickel crucible having dry calcium fluoride lining. The stoichiometric mixture of neodymium fluoride and calcium metal chips were used in the form of pallets for pyro-metallurgical reactions. Small iodine was also added to increase heat available during ignition and to yield a lower melting and more fluid slag. The contents were heated electrically at a predetermined rate until ignition took place. The reaction was self-supporting and neodymium metal was obtained with fairly good efficiency.