Effect of Molasses Addition on the Compressive Strength and Wear behaviour of Iron Ore Pellets for Production of Sponge Iron

Abstract

In the present study, the use of organic binder (Molasses) has been suggested as a substitute for bentonite. Green pellets were prepared by mixing of iron ore particles (- 72 μm) with varying weight percentage of binders i.e. 1.0 wt. % of bentonite and 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 wt. % of Molasses. The pellets were fired at varying temperatures (1173-1473 K) and indurated for 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 hrs. The samples were characterized for physical and mechanical properties. It was observed that firing temperature, time, compositions were affecting the properties of iron ore pellets. The required compressive strength 2500 N/Pellet was obtained at 1.0 wt. % of bentonite (2691 N/Pellet) and 4.0 wt. % molasses (2961N) at 1473 K for 3 hrs induration time, 6.0 wt. % molasses (2766 and 3219 N/Pellet) at 1473 K for 2 and 3hrs induration time, and 8.0 wt. % of molasses (2513, 2871 and 3255N/ pellet) at 1473 K for 1, 2 and 3hrs induration time. The industrially sufficient compressive strength was obtained for the pellets fired at only 1473 K with the addition of 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 wt. % Molasses. Moreover, the influence of wear mechanism (based on collisions) on pellets and the characteristics of generated dust have been investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was noticed that wear rate was affected by the strength of the pellets and the wear debris of the pellets decrease with increase in the strength of the pellets and regressed at 3255N/Pellet.