PRODUCTION OF POTASSIUM HEXATITANATE FIBER OR ITS COMPOSITE FIBER

PURPOSE:Titanium slag which is formed in the production of pig iron from ilmenite is used to utilize an impurity included therein whereby the titled fiber with high heat resistance and chemical resistance is obtained. CONSTITUTION:Titanium slag and naturally occurring rutile or anatase sand are mixed in such a proportion as the former is less than 3/1 in weight. When the mixture is represented by formula I (M is metal included as an impurity), potassium oxide or a compound forming the same on heating, when needed, a mixture of both, is added to the mixture so that formula II (n is 1.5-2.5) is satisfied. They are melted to form a fibrous material of crystals having the same layer structure as that of potassium dititanate of formula II, the material is treated with water to form the same composition as that of formula IV, then heat- treated in a temperature range from 800 deg.C to the melting point to give potassium hexatitanate fiber with a tunnel structure.