Iron Ore Sinter Mineralogy and Properties

Iron ore sinter is crucial for iron and steel production in blast furnaces, but its quality is affected by mineralogy and physical properties. Manipulating sinter properties is challenging due to changing iron ore feed materials and the need to reduce CO2 emissions in production. Recent studies challenge conventional wisdom, suggesting that reducibility is more related to porosity than mineralogy. This project aimed to understand the relationship between sinter mineralogy, porosity, and properties like strength and reducibility. Laboratory-scale experiments showed that mineralogy has a greater impact on reducibility than porosity. Lime and silica additives improved strength. Hydrogen showed promise as a substitute for CO in blast furnaces. These findings challenge traditional sinter concepts and offer insights for improving production, particularly for magnetite ores.