Metallurgical Properties of Iron Ore Pellet when Using Bentonite Modified by Soda

Abstract

The study reported the ability to use soda-modified bentonite applied to the pelletization of iron ore and its effect on metallurgical properties such as green pellet strength, compressive strength and degree of reduction. The properties of the pellets were used in different binders for comparison as bentonite, soda-modified bentonite (1, 2 % per weight of bentonite), and soda. Green pellets were tested for drop numbers. After drying and atmosphere firing, pellets were reduced at 900, 1000 and 1100 ºC for 30, 60 and 120 minutes. The obtained results show that when using 1 % soda-modified bentonite as a binder in the pelletization process gives the highest degree of reduction, appropriated green pellet strength and compressive strength. In addition, modifying bentonite by using soda not only increases the adhesion of bentonite without affecting the structure of bentonite but also helps increase the degree of reducibility of iron ore pellets. This modified bentonite by soda can be applied in pellet manufacturing to reduce the bentonite as the binder in pelletization process.