High-quality titanium pellets were prepared through applying the optimum path for ilmenite oxidization and consolidation in present investigation. The elucidated oxidization behaviors of ilmenite indicated that Fe2O3 and Fe2Ti3O9 were formed below 800 degrees C, and the process was controlled by interface chemical reactions. At 825 degrees C, Fe2O3 became the mainly formed mineral, while it could combine with TiO2 to form Fe2TiO5 if the oxidizing time was long enough. Increasing the temperature further considerably enhanced the percentage of Fe2TiO5. The effects of minerals formed during oxidation process on pellets consolidation indicated that the recrystallization of Fe2O3 in subsequent roasting process improved the mechanical strength of pellets, while Fe2TiO5 impaired pellets consolidation. The revealed optimum route was to improve the formation, enrichment and recrystallization of Fe2O3 at particle edge, and the recommended preheating parameters were 825 degrees C and 34 min, respectively. The strength of roasted pellets reached 2169 N/P (Newton per pellet), which can be used as the protector for blast furnace. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.