Analysis of the Carbothermic Reduction of Iron Ore-Coke Composite Mixtures by Microwave Heating

Abstract In recent decades, microwave energy has been successfully experimented for mining and metallurgy processes is considered a promising new method ironmaking. this context, in the present work, self-reducing mixtures composed of fines iron ore coke were prepared, intending to evaluate degree reduction using energy, applying different contents coke, levels power, reaction times. For this, was assessed as function these variables. Additionally, kinetics investigated chemical diffusional models, microstructure samples evaluated scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest obtained after experiments greater than 60% statistical investigation showed that time factor with greatest influence on results, followed by power content. process chemically controlled, depending gasification steps governed Boudouard reaction. images SEM led conclusion temperature inside sample reached 1200°C. Pig found both form whiskers metallic droplets.