New processes to produce metallic titanium, aiming to be alternative for
Kroll process, are currently developed by many innovators and researchers in the
world. They are here classified by the starting materials. New approaches
starting from TiO2 (not via TiCl4) are tentatively studied in the calcium
reduction, OS process, FFC process and some molten electrolysis at high
temperatures. Their mechanisms for reduction and their features are summarized
and discussed in the view of industrial application. The gaseous reactions
starting from TiCl4 are also proposed using hydrogen, sodium or magnesium as
the reductant. Their advantages are high reduction rate and continuous
operation.