Two-stage reduction for the preparation of ferronickel alloy from nickel laterite ore with low Co and high MgO contents

The preparation of ferronickel alloy from the nickel laterite ore with low Co and high MgO contents was studied by using a pre-reduction-smelting method. The effects of reduction time, calcination temperature, quantity of reductant and calcium oxide (CaO), and pellet diameter on the reduction ratio of Fe and on the pellet strength were investigated. The results show that, for a roasting temperature >800℃, a roasting time >30 min, 1.5wt% added anthracite coal, 5wt% added CaO, and a pellet size of~10 mm, the reduction ratio of Fe exceeds 70% and the compressive strength of the pellets exceeds 10 kg per pellet. Reduction smelting experiments were performed by varying the smelting time, temperature, quantity of reductant and CaO, and reduction ratio of Fe in the pellets. Optimal conditions for the reduction smelting process are as follows:smelting time, 30-45 min; smelting temperature, 1550℃; quantity of reductant, 4wt%-5wt%; and quantity of CaO, 5wt%; leading to an Fe reduction ratio of 75% in the pellets. In addition, the mineral composition of the raw ore and that during the reduction process were investigated by process mineralogy.     

Production of porous silica by the combustion of rice husk ash for tundish lining

In order to study the production of porous silica compacts by the combustion of rice husk ash (RHA) for tundish lining, the experimental design technique was used to evaluate the effect of firing temperature, soaking time and compaction pressure on controlling both the porosity degree and compressive strength of rice husk ash compacts. The results revealed that while the porosity degree of the compacts decreased with the increase in the entire studied parameters, the compressive strength exhibited another trend especially at a lower soaking time. At a lower soaking time, the increase in firing temperature led to a slight decrease in compressive strength and then increasing thereafter. The porous silica compacts having 30% porosity and 〉 2.5 MPa compressive strength suitable for tundish lining could be obtained from the combustion of rice husk ash compacts.     

Improving the sintering performance of blends containing Canadian specularite concentrate by modifying the binding medium

Canadian specularite concentrate (CSC) possesses high total iron grade and low impurity content. However, due to the poor granulating performance and weak reactivity of CSC at high temperature, the proportion of CSC used in sintering blends is restricted. In this research, the effects of fine limonite, slake lime, and bentonite particles on the granulation performance of blends containing a high ratio of CSC were studied through granulation test. Based on the test results, the effects of modification of the binding medium on the sintering performance of blends containing a high ratio of CSC were revealed by the sintering pot test. Both the granulation property and sintering performance of blends with a high proportion of CSC were improved by modifying the binding medium.     

Thermodynamic analysis of the carbothermic reduction of a high-phosphorus oolitic iron ore by FactSage

A thermodynamic analysis of the carbothermic reduction of high-phosphorus oolitic iron ore (HPOIO) was conducted by the FactSage thermochemical software. The effects of temperature, C/O ratio, additive types, and dosages both on the reduction of fluorapatite and the formation of liquid slag were studied. The results show that the minimum thermodynamic reduction temperature of fluorapatite by carbon decreases to about 850°C, which is mainly ascribed to the presence of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe. The reduction rate of fluorapatite increases and the amount of liquid slag decreases with the rise of C/O ratio. The reduction of fluorapatite is hindered by the addition of CaO and Na₂CO₃, thereby allowing the selective reduction of iron oxides upon controlled C/O ratio. The thermodynamic results obtain in the present work are in good agreement with the experimental results available in the literatures.     

Distribution behavior of phosphorus in the coal-based reduction of high-phosphorus-content oolitic iron ore

This study focuses on the reduction of phosphorus from high-phosphorus-content oolitic iron ore via coal-based reduction. The distribution behavior of phosphorus (i.e., the phosphorus content and the phosphorus distribution ratio in the metal, slag, and gas phases) during reduction was investigated in detail. Experimental results showed that the distribution behavior of phosphorus was strongly influenced by the reduction temperature, the reduction time, and the C/O molar ratio. A higher temperature and a longer reaction time were more favorable for phosphorus reduction and enrichment in the metal phase. An increase in the C/O ratio improved phosphorus reduction but also hindered the mass transfer of the reduced phosphorus when the C/O ratio exceeded 2.0. According to scanning electron microscopy analysis, the iron ore was transformed from an integral structure to metal and slag fractions during the reduction process. Apatite in the ore was reduced to P, and the reduced P was mainly enriched in the metal phase. These results suggest that the proposed method may enable utilization of high-phosphorus-content oolitic iron ore resources.     

Thermodynamic studies on gas-based reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite pellets

Numerous studies have focused on the reduction thermodynamics of ordinary iron ore; by contrast, the literature contains few thermodynamic studies on the gas-based reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite (VTM) in mixed atmospheres of H₂, CO, H₂O, CO₂, and N₂. In this paper, thermodynamic studies on the reduction of oxidized VTM pellets were systematically conducted in an atmosphere of a C-H-O system as a reducing agent. The results indicate that VTM of an equivalent valence state is more difficult to reduce than ordinary iron ore. A reduction equilibrium diagram using the C-H-O system as a reducing agent was obtained; it clearly describes the reduction process. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of the reduction temperature, the gas composition, and two types of iron ores on the reduction of oxidized VTM pellets. The results show that the final reduction degree increases with increasing reduction temperature, increasing molar ratio of H₂/(H₂ + CO), and decreasing H₂O, CO₂, and N₂ contents. In addition, the reduction processes under various conditions are discussed. All of the results of the reduction experiments are consistent with those of theoretical thermodynamic analysis. This study is expected to provide valuable thermodynamic theory on the industrial applications of VTM.     

Formation and characterization of metallic iron grains in coal-based reduction of oolitic iron ore

To reveal the formation and characteristics of metallic iron grains in coal-based reduction, oolitic iron ore was isothermally reduced in various reduction times at various reduction temperatures. The microstructure and size of the metallic iron phase were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and a Bgrimm process mineralogy analyzer. In the results, the reduced Fe separates from the ore and forms metallic iron protuberances, and then the subsequent reduced Fe diffuses to the protuberances and grows into metallic iron grains. Most of the metallic iron grains exist in the quasi-spherical shape and inlaid in the slag matrix. The cumulative frequency of metallic iron grain size is markedly influenced by both reduction time and temperature. With increasing reduction temperature and time, the grain size of metallic iron obviously increases. According to the classical grain growth equation, the growth kinetic parameters, i.e., time exponent, growth activation energy, and pre-exponential constant, are estimated to be 1.3759 ±0.0374, 103.18 kJ·mol-1, and 922.05, respectively. Using these calculated parameters, a growth model is established to describe the growth behavior of metallic iron grains.     

Effect of Slope Plate Variable and Reheating on the Semi-Solid Structure of Ductile Cast Iron

Semi-solid metal casting and forming is a promising production method for a wide range of metal alloys, In spite of many applications for semi-solid processed light alloys, few works have reported on the semi-solid processing of iron and steel. In this research, an inclined plate was used to change the dendritic structure of iron to globular. The effects of the length and slope of the plate on the casting structure were examined. The results show that the process effectively changes the dendritic structure to globular. A sloped plate angle of 7.5° and length of 560 mm with a cooling rate of 67 K· s^-1 gave the optimum graphite nodu- larity and solid particle globularity. The results also show that the sloped plate more easily prevents inoculant fading since the total time processing is rather short. In addition the semi-solid ductile cast iron prepared using the inclined plate method was reheated to examine the effect of reheating conditions on the microstructure and coarsening kinetics of the alloy. The solid fractions at different reheating temperatures and holding times were used to find the optimum reheating temperature range.     

High-temperature performance prediction of iron ore fines and the ore-blending programming problem in sintering

The high-temperature performance of iron ore fines is an important factor in optimizing ore blending in sintering. However, the application of linear regression analysis and the linear combination method in most other studies always leads to a large deviation from the desired results. In this study, the fuzzy membership functions of the assimilation ability temperature and the liquid fluidity were proposed based on the fuzzy mathematics theory to construct a model for predicting the high-temperature performance of mixed iron ore. Comparisons of the prediction model and experimental results were presented. The results illustrate that the prediction model is more accurate and effective than previously developed models. In addition, fuzzy constraints for the high-temperature performance of iron ore in this research make the results of ore blending more comparable. A solution for the quantitative calculation as well as the programming of fuzzy constraints is also introduced.     

Effect of chemical admixtures on properties of high-calcium fly ash geopolymer

Owing to the high viscosity of sodium silicate solution, fly ash geopolymer has the problems of low workability and rapid setting time. Therefore, the effect of chemical admixtures on the properties of fly ash geopolymer was studied to overcome the rapid set of the geopolymer in this paper. High-calcium fly ash and alkaline solution were used as starting materials to synthesize the geopolymer. Calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and sucrose at dosages of 1wt% and 2wt% of fly ash were selected as admixtures based on concrete knowledge to improve the properties of the geopolymer. The setting time, compressive strength, and degree of reaction were recorded, and the microstructure was examined. The results show that calcium chloride significantly shortens both the initial and final setting times of the geopolymer paste. In addition, sucrose also delays the final setting time significantly. The degrees of reaction of fly ash in the geopolymer paste with the admixtures are all higher than those of the control paste. This contributes to the obvious increases in compressive strength.     

有机结合剂对硬质磁铁矿球团活化及性能的影响

In the ironmaking process, the addition of an organic binder to replace a portion of bentonite has the potential to improve the performance of pellets. The interaction between original bentonite (OB) and organic binder was investigated. Results indicated that the micromorphology of organic composite bentonite (OCB) became porous and the infrared difference spectrum exhibited a curved shape. In addition, the residual burning rates of OB and organic binder were determined to be 82.72% and 2.30%, respectively. Finally, the influence of OCB on the properties of pellets was investigated. The compressive strength of OCB-added green pellets (14.7 N per pellet) was better than that of OB-added pellets (10.3 N per pellet). Moreover, the range of melting temperature of OCB-added green pellets (173°C) was narrower than that of OB-added pellets (198°C). The compressive strength of OCB-added green pellets increased from 2156 to 3156 N per pellet with the increase in roasting temperature from 1200 to 1250°C.     

Basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate and its effects on sinter properties during the high-limonite sintering process

The basic characteristics of Australian iron ore concentrate (Ore-A) and its effects on sinter properties during a high-limonite sintering process were studied using micro-sinter and sinter pot methods. The results show that the Ore-A exhibits good granulation properties, strong liquid flow capability, high bonding phase strength and crystal strength, but poor assimilability. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the tumbler index and the reduction index (RI) of the sinter first increase and then decrease, whereas the softening interval (?T) and the softening start temperature (T_10%) of the sinter exhibit the opposite behavior; the reduction degradation index (RDI_+3.15) of the sinter increases linearly, but the sinter yield exhibits no obvious effects. With increasing Ore-A ratio, the distribution and crystallization of the minerals are improved, the main bonding phase first changes from silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) to kirschsteinite, silicate, and SFCA and then transforms to 2CaO·SiO₂ and SFCA. Given the utilization of Ore-A and the improvement of the sinter properties, the Ore-A ratio in the high-limonite sintering process is suggested to be controlled at approximately 6wt%.     

Iron ore tailings used for the preparation of cementitious material by compound thermal activation

In the background of little reuse and large stockpile for iron ore tailings, iron ore tailing from Chinese Tonghua were used as raw material to prepare cementitious materials. Cementitious properties of the iron ore tailings activated by compound thermal activation were studied. Testing methods, such as XRD, TG-DTA, and IR were used for researching the phase and structure variety of the iron ore railings in the process of compound thermal activation. The results reveal that a new cementitious material that contains 30wt% of the iron ore tailings can be obtained by compounded thermal activation, whose mortar strength can come up to the standard of 42.5 cement of China.     

Metalizing reduction and magnetic separation of vanadium titano-magnetite based on hot briquetting

To achieve high efficiency utilization of Panzhihua vanadium titano-magnetite, a new process of metalizing reduction and magnetic separation based on hot briquetting is proposed, and factors that affect the cold strength of the hot-briquetting products and the efficiency of reduction and magnetic separation are successively investigated through laboratory experiments. The relevant mechanisms are elucidated on the basis of microstructural observations. Experimental results show that the optimal process parameters for hot briquetting include a hot briquetting temperature of 475℃, a carbon ratio of 1.2, ore and coal particle sizes of less than 74 μm. Additionally, with respect to metalizing reduction and magnetic separation, the rational parameters include a magnetic field intensity of 50 mT, a reduction temperature of 1350℃, a reduction time of 60 min, and a carbon ratio of 1.2. Under these above conditions, the crushing strength of the hot-briquetting agglomerates is 1480 N, and the recovery ratios of iron, vanadium, and titanium are as high as 91.19%, 61.82%, and 85.31%, respectively. The new process of metalizing reduction and magnetic separation based on hot briquetting demonstrates the evident technological advantages of high efficiency separation of iron from other valuable elements in the vanadium titano-magnetite.     

铁矿石高温同化性能检测:动态电阻测量法

Resistance in iron ore undergoes a sharp change of up to several orders of magnitude when the sintered solid phase changes to liquid phase. In view of the insufficiency of existing assimilation detection methods, a timing-of-assimilation reaction is proposed, which was judged by continuously detecting the changes in resistance at the reaction interface. Effects of pole position and additional amounts of iron ore on assimilation reaction timing were investigated. The results showed that the suitable depth of pole groove was about 2 mm, and there was no obvious impact when the distance of the poles changed from 4 to 6 mm, or the amount of iron ore changed from 0.4 to 0.6 g. The temperature of sudden change of resistance in the temperature-resistant image was considered to be the lowest assimilation temperature of iron ore. The accuracy of this resistance method was clarified by X-ray diffraction, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) analyses.     

Factors affecting the shrinkage of fly ash geopolymers

The shrinkage of fly ash geopolymers was studied in the present study. Fly ash was used as the source material for making the geopolymers. The effects of the concentration of NaOH, sodium silicate-to-NaOH ratio, liquid-to-ash ratio, curing temperature, and curing time on shrinkage were investigated. The geopolymers were cured at 25, 40, and 60℃, respectively. The results indicate that the shrinkage of geopolymers is strongly dependent on curing temperature and liquid-to-ash ratio. The increase in shrinkage is associated with the low strength development of geopolymers. It is also found that NaOH concentration and sodium silicate-to-NaOH ratio also affect the shrinkage of geopolymers but to a lesser extent.     

用焦煤和氧化钙制备含CaO碳球团: 热解炉中温度、孔分布和碳结构对球团抗压强度的影响

CaO-containing carbon pellets (CCCP) were successfully prepared from well-mixed coking coal (CC) and calcium oxide (CaO) and roasted at different pyrolysis temperatures. The effects of temperature, pore distribution, and carbon structure on the compressive strength of CCCP was investigated in a pyrolysis furnace (350–750°C). The results showed that as the roasting temperature increased, the compressive strength also increased and furthermore, structural defects and imperfections in the carbon crystallites were gradually eliminated to form more organized char structures, thus forming high-ordered CC. Notably, the CCCP preheated at 750°C exhibited the highest compressive strength. A positive relationship between the compressive strength and pore-size homogeneity was established. A linear relationship between the compressive strength of the CCCP and the average stack height of CC was observed. Additionally, a four-stage caking mechanism was developed.     

Enhanced strength in novel nanocomposites prepared by reinforcing graphene in red soil and fly ash bricks

Low-dimensional nanomaterials such as graphene can be used as a reinforcing agent in building materials to enhance the strength and durability. Common building materials burnt red soil bricks and fly ash bricks were reinforced with various amounts of graphene, and the effect of graphene on the strength of these newly developed nanocomposites was studied. The fly ash brick nanocomposite samples were cured as per their standard curing time, and the burnt red soil brick nanocomposite samples were merely dried in the sun instead of being subjected to the traditional heat treatment for days to achieve sufficient strength. The water absorption ability of the fly ash bricks was also discussed. The compressive strength of all of the graphene-reinforced nanocomposite samples was tested, along with that of some standard (without graphene) composite samples with the same dimensions, to evaluate the effects of the addition of various amounts of graphene on the compressive strength of the bricks.     

Recovery of iron from high phosphorus oolitic iron ore using coal-based reduction followed by magnetic separation

Oolitic iron ore is one of the most important iron resources. This paper reports the recovery of iron from high phosphorus oolitic iron ore using coal-based reduction and magnetic separation. The influences of reduction temperature, reduction time, C/O mole ratio, and CaO content on the metallization degree and iron recovery were investigated in detail. Experimental results show that reduced products with the metallization degree of 95.82% could be produced under the optimal conditions (i.e., reduction temperature, 1250℃; reduction time, 50 min; C/O mole ratio, 2.0; and CaO content, 10wt%). The magnetic concentrate containing 89.63wt% Fe with the iron recovery of 96.21% was obtained. According to the mineralogical and morphologic analysis, the iron minerals had been reduced and iron was mainly enriched into the metallic iron phase embedded in the slag matrix in the form of spherical particles. Apatite was also reduced to phosphorus, which partially migrated into the metallic iron phase.     

Optimization and Evaluation of Sputtering Barrier/Seed Layer in Through Silicon Via for 3-D Integration

The barrier/seed layer is a key issue in Through Silicon Via （TSV） technology for 3-D integration. Sputtering is an important deposition method for via metallization in semiconductor process. However, due to the limitation of sputtering and a ＂scallop＂ profile inside vias, poor step coverage of the barrier/seed layer always occurs in the via metallization process. In this paper, the effects of several sputter parameters （DC power, Ar pressure, deposition time, and substrate temperature） on thin film coverage for TSV applications are investigated. Robust TSVs with aspect ratio 5 ： 1 were obtained with optimized magnetron sputter parameters. In addition, the influences of different sputter parameters are compared and the conclusion could be used as a guideline to select appropriate parameter sets.