An Optimal Route for the Preparation of Metallized Composite Pellets from Ilmenite Concentrate

Abstract

Abstract: The present communication describes an investigation on the preparation of metallized composite pellets from ilmenite concentrate. It was observed that the pellet size in the range of 8�12�mm, a binder dosage of 4 wt%, and internal carbon of 5 wt% are the optimum levels that help the pellets attain the desired drop number (~ 10) and dry strength (~ 30�kg/pellet). When subjected to reduction tests at a temperature of 1200��C for 6�h, the composite pellets show better metallization (~ 80%) than the raw ilmenite pellets with an equal amount of reductant. The reduced ilmenite composite pellets also display a reasonable decrepitation value of 4.9%, thereby making them suitable to be used directly in arc furnaces for titania slag production. A comparative characterization study by SEM�EDS indicated that larger amounts of metallic grains are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix in the composite pellets. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. � 2021, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.