Effect of calcite on the thermal decomposition of pyrite: Thermodynamics, phase transformation, microstructure evolution and kinetics

Abstract

Pyrite, a common iron mineral in refractory iron ores, emits SO₂ during oxidative roasting, contributing to environmental pollution. This study investigated the effect of calcite on the thermal decomposition of pyrite, focusing on thermodynamics, phase transformation, microstructural evolution, and non-isothermal kinetics, with emphasis on SO₂ formation inhibition. Results showed that pyrite decomposed first to pyrrhotite, then to magnetite and hematite, with SO₂ as the primary gaseous product. Higher temperatures and lower oxygen concentrations favored S₂ gas formation. Non-isothermal decomposition of pyrite occurred between 400–725°C, initiated at the particle surface, and significantly increased product porosity, resulting in butterfly-shaped hematite. The addition of calcite resulted in the reaction of SO₂ with calcite to form anhydrite on the particle surface, inhibiting the release of SO₂. Initially, the thermal decomposition of pyrite proceeded with a low apparent activation energy, making the reaction relatively easy. However, the presence of calcite significantly increased the apparent activation energy and inhibited the thermal decomposition reaction.