Influence of Iron Ore Phase Morphology in Pellets on Their Fracture Character
摘要
The strength and metallurgical properties of iron ore pellets depend on their structure. Therefore, the task of identifying the mechanisms of structure formation and their relationship with the behavior of pellets in metallurgical units (especially blast and shaft metallization furnaces) is relevant. The purpose of the work is to determine the patterns of morphology, size and composition of ore phases in iron ore pellets and to identify the mechanisms of relationship with strength. The typical size and shape of iron ore phases in pellets (hematite, magnetite, magnesioferrite) is 10–50 μm (sometimes up to 100 μm), subhedral, anhedral and detrital, with signs of melting. Lamels on hematite are characteristic of magnesioferrite. Idiomorphic and hypidiomorphic crystals are absent. The size and morphology of silicate phases depending on the basicity and degree of enrichment are plates (films) 2–20 μm thick and up to 50 μm long. Depending on the production technology and the feedstock, compact precipitates may occur. Pellets will be destroyed by external mechanical action depending on the phase morphology: with a high content of iron ore components (97% or more)—by iron-containing minerals; with a low content of iron ore components (less than 95%)—by the silicate binder. This situation creates opportunities to control the pellet structure by adjusting the concentrate size and additives of silicate-forming components. A dual role of magnesium in pellets has been revealed: with a high iron content and a minimum proportion of silicates, it passes into iron ore components, reducing the mass fraction of iron in pellets and without affecting the strength of the binder. However, if silicon oxide is sufficient to form a silicate skeleton, the addition of MgO facilitates pellet strengthening.