Using a particle-based approach (sinter microtypes) for the geometallurgical characterisation of iron ore sinter

ABSTRACT The composite microhardness (SCH) and composite fracture toughness (SCFT) of seven sinter samples were calculated utilising the modal proportion of distinct particle textural types, ‘sinter microtypes’ (SM). Ten SM were defined based on phase association, phase texture and particle texture. The SCH/SCFT of each microtype was calculated by defining an idealised composition and utilising the mean microhardness/fracture toughness of different textural forms of common sinter phases. Comparison of SCH and SCFT with sinter metallurgical indices and major element chemistry showed relatively stronger linear correlations with the latter. Modifying the idealised compositions of SM to calculate SCH/SCFT did not notably change correlations with sinter RDI, RI, TI. Calculating SCH/SCFT by weighting the input of SM variably improved correlations with sinter RDI, RI, TI. Providing additional weighting to nuclei/primary phase-bearing SM provided the best correlation with RDI and RI, whereas additional weighting to bonding phase-bearing SM provided the best correlation with TI.