Phase and Microstructural Characterization of Iron Ore Pellet and their Relation with Cold Crushing Strength Test

In the production of the pellets, phase identification for specific sintering condition is of prime importance in understanding the basis for the production and the required properties. The application of a methodology involving optical and scanning electron microscope equipped with an EBSD opened a broad possibility to establish a base for the relationship between heat-treated pellet microstructural features and cold crushing strength. The first results from the conjoined application of these techniques show that the cold crushing strength of the pellet increase with the decrease of porosity, the appearance of the fayalite, as well as the presence of magnetite-unoxidized.