Hydrogen based reduction behavior of MgO rich magnetite pelletsShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: La Metallurgia Italiana, ISSN 0026-0843, Vol. 116, no 4, p. 9-16Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
This study investigates and presents the analysis of magnetite pellets subjected to hydrogen reduction for potential application in green steel making. Hydrogen-based reduction processes have gained prominence due to their potential as a clean and energy-efficient method for reducing iron ore concentrates. Thermo-gravimetric (TG) experiments were performed at low (580 °C) and high (950 °C) temperatures in a hydrogen atmosphere to assess the reduction behavior of magnetite pellets. The samples were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis. TG analysis reveals that higher reduction temperatures (950 °C) accelerate the reduction rate but introduce complexity through intermediate wustite (FeO) formation, leading to a lower final reduction degree as compared to the simpler reduction at 580 °C. Detailed examination using SEM-EDS shows that reduction at 950 °C results in complete reduction of the outer shell of magnetite particles forming a dense layer and partially unreduced FeO in its core with the presence of magnesium oxide (MgO). At 580 °C, magnetite particles are fully reduced to iron, displaying both porous and dense morphologies. The presence of MgO is found to influence the morphology by promoting denser iron formations. These findings highlight the significant impact of temperature and impurities on the reduction process and microstructural outcomes, providing valuable insights for optimizing hydrogen reduction processes.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Associazione Italiana di Metallurgia , 2025. Vol. 116, no 4, p. 9-16
Keywords [en]
Magnetite, Hydrogen, Reduction, Thermogravimetry, Magnesium oxide, Wustite, Pellet
National Category
Metallurgy and Metallic Materials
Research subject
Process Metallurgy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-113408Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105007138264OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-113408DiVA, id: diva2:1970270
Conference
9th European Coke and Ironmaking Congress, Italy, October 16-18, 2024.
Note
Validerad;2025;Nivå 2;2025-06-25 (u5)
2025-06-162025-06-162025-10-21Bibliographically approved