High-pressure cold bonding of phosphate ore fines with phosphogypsum-based binder: pellet preparation and performance evaluation
摘要
China’s phosphate ore resources contain only a small proportion of lump ore (~ 2%), necessitating effective utilization of phosphate ore fines (PFs) in yellow phosphorus production. In this study, PFs were converted into pellets using a phosphogypsum (PG)-based binder through a high-pressure cold-bonding route. A binder content of 4% (30% PG, 65% ground granulated blast-furnace slag, and 5% ordinary Portland cement) was used to prepare compacted blocks (dry density 2.3 g/cm3), which were subsequently cured (40°C, 95% RH, 7 d), crushed, and rounded into pellets. The resulting pellets exhibited a compressive strength of 238.11 ± 15.03 N and a falling strength of 37.00 ± 3.53 drops (0.5 m). After calcination up to 1200°C, the pellets maintained relatively good structural integrity and compressive strengths exceeding 1000 N. Microstructural analyses indicated that hydration products (C-S–H and AFt) formed a bonding network that densified the matrix, while their decomposition during calcination suggests limited persistence at furnace-entry temperatures. ICP-OES results showed that heavy-metal contents in the pellets remained within relevant regulatory limits, indicating no elevated environmental concern at the composition level. These findings demonstrate a feasible route for the resource utilization of PFs and PG in yellow phosphorus production.