Influence of B₂O₃ on the Oxidation and Induration Process of Hongge Vanadium Titanomagnetite Pellets

Abstract

To develop a novel and clean smelting process for the comprehensive utilization of Hongge vanadium titanomagnetite (HVTM), this work determined the influence of B₂O₃ on the oxidation and induration process of HVTM pellets (HVTMP). The oxidation degree, compressive strength, porosity, crystalline phase, microstructure, and induration degree of HVTMP were comprehensively investigated, and the relevant mechanisms were discussed. The results indicated that B₂O₃ decreased the oxidation degree and porosity of HVTMP, while the compressive strength was clearly enhanced. Increasing the amount of B₂O₃ did not significantly affect the crystalline phase, but it decreased the XRD peak intensity. The induration degree appreciably increased after the addition of B₂O₃ because it favored the generation of liquid phases and increased the average grain size by creating a dense and continuous bonding structure. Additionally, B-rich phases were mainly uniformly distributed in the liquid phases along the grain boundaries. Based on the experimental results, the induration mechanism of HVTMP with different amounts of B₂O₃ was proposed. This study provides a theoretical and technical foundation for the effective production of HVTMP.