THE ALUMINUM REDUCTION OF MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS: III. THE VAPOR PRESSURE OF MAGNESIUM OVER THE SYSTEM Al–Mg2SiO4 (OLIVINE)
The equilibrium vapor pressure of magnesium over the reaction between olivine (Mg2SiO4) and aluminum was measured by means of the transportation method in the temperature range 943–1150 °C.It was concluded that olivine and aluminum form an unstable system which reacts completely according to the equation[Formula: see text]However, in the presence of excess aluminum, an Al–Si alloy results. This alloy in turn reacts with magnesium oxide according to the equilibrium[Formula: see text]The vapor pressure of magnesium over this equilibrium system was found to obey the equation[Formula: see text]The aluminum activity of the Al–Si alloy along the liquidus line of the silicon side of the phase diagram has been calculated. Within the temperature range 943–1150 °C this activity can be represented by the equation[Formula: see text]