Mechanochemical reduction-induced phase transformation of magnetite-martensite ore: Theoretical background, reaction mechanism, and materials characterization

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Joseph Ekhebume Ogbezode, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria
• Michael Aperebo, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria
• Abdulhakeem Bello, Department of Theoretical and Applied Physics, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria
• Vitalis Chioh Anye, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria
• Olusegun Olufemi Ajide, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
• Oluleke Olugbemiga Oluwole, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
• Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2026

Journal Name

Journal of Alloys and Compounds Communications

Abstract

Mechanochemical synthesis through ball milling has shown significant effectiveness in modern nano-engineering approaches for converting bulk reactant particles into uniformly distributed, moderately sized nanostructures with potential uses in wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup. This study investigates phase transformation with quasi- equilibrium structures in ore minerals. It also explores how mechanochemical reduction of bulk minerals from the martensite-magnetite phase to the goethite- hematite phase is affected by mechanical activation, focusing on changes in phase structure, crystallite size, and lattice strain during ball milling. Characterization results from TEM, SEM/EDX, and XRD/XRF indicated that longer milling times of 6–66 h decrease crystallite sizes while increasing lattice strains. XRD/XRF data showed that ferric- ion phases include particles reduced to 72–59 nm for goethite, 72–28 nm for hematite, and quartz phase particles declined from 71 to 43 nm. Lattice strain values of 0.32% (hematite), 0.21% (goethite), and 0.2% (quartz) nanoparticles were observed. Particle size distribution (PSD) ranged from approximately 42–13 nm at 66 h of milling, showing that PSD decreases with longer milling times. The formation of complex quasi- crystalline structures was also observed under eco-friendly conditions. Additionally, non- quasicrystal particles such as giniite, clinochlore, and crystalline iron- hydroxyl phosphate and iron- hydroxyl aluminate phases were detected during extended milling, displaying highly heterogeneous morphologies. Overall, this research confirms that direct mechanochemical reduction remains a promising method for producing ferric-ion-containing nanoparticles with minimal crystallite sizes and lattice strains. This process not only clarifies the relationship between milling parameters, lattice strain, and structural evolution but also offers a sustainable approach to creating functional nanomaterials for nano-engineering applications. Consequently, the study highlights the potential of scalable, environmentally friendly mechanochemical methods for developing multifunctional nanomaterials, advancing sustainable solutions in environmental cleanup and water treatment technologies.

Keywords

Mechanochemical reduction, Magnetite-martensite ore, Nanocrystalline transformationIron, Oxide nanoparticles, Material, characterization, High Energy, Ball Milling (HEBM)

Rsif Scholar Name

Joseph  Ekhebume Ogbezode

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Nigeria

Cohort

Cohort 3

Thematic Area

Minerals, Mining and Materials Engineering

Africa Host University (AHU)

Kenyatta University (KU), Kenya

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the Partnership for Applied Science and Engineering Technology (PASET) and Research Scholarship Innovation Fund (RSIF) with Grant number: B8501E21184.

Recommended Citation

Ogbezode, J. E., Aperebo, M., Bello, A., Anye, V. C., Ajide, O. O., Oluwole, O. O., & Onwualu, P. A. (2026). Mechanochemical reduction-induced phase transformation of magnetite-martensite ore: Theoretical background, reaction mechanism, and materials characterization. Journal of Alloys and Compounds Communications, 10 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacomc.2026.100175