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By Lucas de A. Pontes, Lázaro A. Rohen, F. V. Carlos Maurício, Janaina da Silva Vieira, Sergio Monteiro, Dhyemila de P. Mantovani, Frederico M. Margem, Anna C. C. Neves

The lower density of the lignocellulosic fibers such as the hemp fibers and the other natural ones is one of the characteristics that allow the scientists to obtain high levels of specific properties that when compared to the properties of ordinary reinforcements gives to the hemp fibers an advantage as a material with an expressive potential in the mechanical properties area. Then, the aim of this present work is to characterize the relative density of the hemp fiber related to the water using the pycnometry technique. This technique uses the pycnometer and it is divided in two steps. In the first step the correction factor and the moisture content of the fresh hemp fiber specimen and in the other step some weightings were done such as the dry specimen (g), empty pycnometer (g), pycnometer + water (g) and pycnometer + water + specimen (g) using a digital balance with a precision scale of 0.001 g of the bran INNERSCAN. Based on these measurement and calculations using some formulations already established in previous studies, the relative density of the hemp fiber found was around 1.393 g/cm3 and the moisture content around 7.1%.

Mar 1, 2017

By D. M. Fermino, C. G. Bastos Andrade, M. G. Fernandes, F. R. Valenzuela-Diaz

Treatments with high concentration solution of inorganic acid at temperatures under boiling point are a usual method for clay minerals structure modification. For many industrial uses bentonites must be cleared of impurities. In the present paper, a sample of Brazilian bentonite from Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia was modified by mild acid attack using hydrochloric acid under moderate conditions (90 °C, reaction times of 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h in close reactor, concentration of the aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid 1.5 M, acid solution/clay ratio of 1 g/10 mL). The attacked samples were characterized by CEC, XRF, SEM, EDS and Stereomicroscopy. The purpose of these attacks is to reduce the concentration of impurities with minimal damage in clay minerals structure. The modified bentonite presented good results and tends to be a good economic and environmental alternative to manufacturing products with high added value such as polymer/clay nanocomposites, cosmetics and medicines.

Mar 1, 2017

By Ping Long, Peipei Liu, Xinlin Ren, Yunke Wang, Bin Yang, Jian Wu, Wenli Zhang

In this research, ICP-AES was used for determining ten impurity elements (Fe, Pb, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Al, As, Sb, and Bi)in tin concentrate and smelting products, such as crude tin and slag. Samples were dissolved by hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. Determination conditions were investigated in detail. Influences of matrix and coexisting elements were eliminated by selecting proper analysis spectral lines. Under the optimum conditions, the correlation coefficient of cali- bration curves were higher than 0.999. The detection limits of these ten impurities were in the range between 0.0009 to 0.0621 lg/ml. Relative standard deviation (RSD) values were lower than 6.0%, and the recoveries of standard addition were between 85 and 109%. The proposed method was demonstrated to be reliable by comparingwithstandardanalysismethodsandcertifiedvaluesofstandardsample. It could be applied for determining impurity elements in tin concentrate and smelting products successfully.

Mar 1, 2017

By Xiao Hong, Zhang Wenqiang, Gao Bing

The characteristics of top charging coke (coke 1) and stamp charging coke (coke2) were investigated. The weight loss ratios of two kinds of cokes with and without alkalis were measured after reacting with CO under the temperature of 2 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C respectively. The microstructures of original cokes were observed by SEM. The experiment results show that, with no addition of alkali, the weight loss ratios of coke 1 and coke 2 were nearly the same under the temperature of 900 and 1000 °C. While the weight loss ratio of coke 2 was much larger than coke 1 under the temperature of 1200 °C. With alkali-rich, the weight loss ratio of the two cokes was almost the same at 1100–1200 °C.

Mar 1, 2017

By Jorge D. Vier, Raúl B. Rebak, Alicia E. Ares, Natalia S. Zadorozne

Recent worldwide demand has driven nickel and molybdenum prices to record high values. Alloys containing significant amounts of nickel and molybde- num, such as the austenitic and duplex grades, have experienced significant price increases and some spot shortages have resulted in some regions. With low or no nickel content and reasonable molybdenum content, super-ferritic stainless steels are now proving to be the most cost effective corrosion resistant materials. The electrochemical behavior APMT® (Fe–21Cr–5Al–3Mo–0.04C) and 4C54® (Fe–26.5Cr–0.8Mn–0.5Si) super-ferritic stainless steel in NaCl solutions has been studied using open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The aim is to compare the behavior of these materials with austenitic stainless steel alloy 316 (Fe–18Cr–10Ni– 2.5Mo). The results indicate that the APMT alloy presents a better performance than the AISI 316 stainless steel, while 4C54® does not, especially at anodic potentials. The good behavior of APMT® may be attributed to Al and Mo content in its composition.

Mar 1, 2017

By Chang Wei, Zhigan Deng, Minting Li, Cunxiong Li, Gang Fan, Xingbin Li

Molybdenum and nickel in black shale ore exists as amorphous sulfides which has highly active, and easily oxide to sulfuric acid and sulfate at low temperature in the presence of excess oxygen. Take advantage of the characteristic to leach molybdenum and nickel from black shale. Oxidation, conversion and dissolution behavior of amorphous colloidal molybdenum and nickel sulfide in pressure leaching process was studied. The effects of stirring speed, temperature, concentration of sulphuric acid, oxygen process and mineral granularity on molybdenum and nickel leaching were investigated. The results showed that dissolution rate increased with increasing temperature and stirring speed, but decreased with increasing concentration of sulphuric acid. And dissolution of molybdenum and nickel from ore only need oxygen without any other reagent.

Mar 1, 2017

By Jinsheng Wang, Wei Lv, Xuewei Lv, Pingsheng Lai, Jie Dang

The isothermal reduction kinetics of vanadium titanium magnetite sintering ore was investigated by thermo-gravimetric analysis at a temperature range of 1123–1223 K under 30% CO + 70% N2 gas mixtures. The apparent activation energy of reduction was calculated by iso-conversional method and its value is 36.7 kJ/mol. The model function describing the reduction mechanism was discussed by Sharp analysis and the results revealed that the reduction process is controlled first by random nucleation and nucleus growth mechanism (RNNGM) as reduction degree is lower than 0.5, followed by the mixed influence of RNNGM and phase boundary reaction when reduction degree is higher than 0.5.

Mar 1, 2017

By Alaina Mallard, Jannette Chorney, David Hutchins, Grant C. Wallace, Jerome P. Downey

Current commercial processes for producing ceramic carbides require temperatures of 1400–2000 °C and often use extensive milling operations to produce a powder product. A process that could reduce the energy requirements of commercial carbide production could allow for these materials to be implemented in a greater number of applications. In this study, tungstate (WO4 2−) and silicate (SiO3 2−) anions were adsorbed onto activated carbon and converted into silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers and a mixture of tungsten and tungsten carbide (W/WC) crystals via carbothermal reduction using inert and reducing gas atmospheres at temperatures much lower than what is required by current commercial processes (950 °C for W/WC/W2C and 1200 °C for SiC). The adsorption process was statistically-optimized via a central composite response surface analysis using DesignExpert 9. Inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to measure, and optimize, adsorption efficiency while the carburization products were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Mar 1, 2017

By Dongxing Wang, Zhang Ting-an, Xiaolong Li, Yan Liu

Recent years, bottom blown oxygen copper smelting process has been widely used in China. Besides many advantages such as autothermal operation, this technology is still in developing stage. This topic aims at promoting the dispersion of materials charged into the bottom blown smelting furnace used in the process. Based on the similarity theory, a 1/5 scaled physical model of smelting furnace was constructed. Polypropene particles were used as charged materials. High-speed camera was used to record the phenomenon of the particles dispersion under different gas-flow rates, nozzle diameters and installation angles of nozzles. Image processing software was used for obtaining the particles concentration under different conditions. Results show that when the gas flow rate increases, charged materials disperse better. With the same gas flow, the increasing of nozzle diameter promotes the dispersion effect of materials. The effects of installation angles are opposite for nozzles with diameter of 2.50 and 5.92 mm.

Mar 1, 2017

By Geoff Matthews, David S. Wong, Linda Wright, Pretesh Patel, Mark Dorreen

This paper examines the development of the new EnPot heat exchanger technology for aluminium smelters and the potential impact it could have on the sustainability and economics of primary aluminium production. The EnPot technology can be used to help the aluminium smelting industry be part of the solution to accommodate increased intermittency in our future renewable energy generation, post COP 21. The EnPot system provides for the first time, dynamic control of the heat balance of aluminium smelting pots across the potline, so that energy consumption and aluminium production can be increased or decreased by as much as plus or minus 30% almost instantaneously. This enables a new way of thinking to emerge when considering the relationship the aluminium smelter plays in connection to the power grid. The EnPot technology provides smelters with the means to free up power back to the grid, transforming the smelter from only an end user of power into a ‘virtual battery’ for the electricity network. This fundamentally changes the way electricity is consumed by the smelter and is a concept already being tested by several smelters.

Mar 1, 2017

By Marcos V. F. Fonseca, Gilson V. Fernandes, Caroline G. de Oliveira, Sergio N. Monteiro, Frederico M. Margem, Anna C. C. Neves

Natural fibers represent an economic and environmental motivation for replacing the synthetic fibers, mainly as composite reinforcement material, which is one of their major applications. Some advantages of the natural fibers are the biodegradability, low cost and renewability. Among the natural fibers, the lignocellulosic ones are highlighted for their high resistance. One of the most cultivated lignocellulosic fibers in Brazil is the Eucalyptus fiber, extracted from the bark of Eucalyptus citriodora plant. In this work, it was investigated the tensile behavior of the epoxy matrix composites reinforced with different volume fractions of Eucalyptus fibers. The specimens were made by pouring the still liquid resin into the mold and laying the fibers onto the resin. The results show a decrease in the tensile resistance with the increase of volume fraction. It is due to the low adhesion between the fibers and the matrix.

Mar 1, 2017

By Jun Deng, Daohong Wu, Zhicheng Cao, Jingkun Tang, Luxing Feng, Xun Xue

The effect of reducing temperature, H2/CO mole ratio, and reduction gas flow rate on the metallization rate of oxide pellets were investigated at laboratory scale, with ludwigite iron concentrate used as raw materials. The reducing temperature varied from 850 to 950 °C, the H2/CO mole ratio changed from 1.5 to 4.5, the range of reduction gas flow rate was from 2 to 5 L/min. The results indicate that the metallization degree of pellets increase with increase of the temperature, H2/CO mole ratio, and gas flow rate. However, after temperature rises to 850 °C, metallization degree increases slowly. The effect of H2/CO on the metallization degree is not very obviously with the ratio of H2/CO increasing from 1.5 to 4.5. When the gas flow rate was increased from 2 to 3 L/min, the metallization degree increased greatly from 72.2 to 92.1%. In the flow range from 3 to 5 L/min, the metallization degree was increased slowly. The results obtained could be useful for comprehensive utilization of ludwigite iron concentrate by gas-based direct reduction method.

Mar 1, 2017

By Xiaolong Lin, Yuanbo Zhang, Jiann-Yang Hwang, Guanghui Li, Jiaxing Yan, Zhiwei Peng, Tao Jiang

Electric arc furnace (EAF) dust is an important secondary resource that should be recycled to enhance its considerable economic value and potential environmental benefit. In this study, a low-zinc EAF dust was characterized by various techniques, including chemical titration, X-ray diffraction, granulometric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. It is shown that the dust contains 2.08 wt% Zn, 23.16 wt% Fe and 19.84 wt% Ca, accompanying small amounts of Cr, Pb, etc. Magnetite, calcium ferrite and zinc ferrite are the main phase constituents. The majority (90%) of particles have size less than 137.862 μm. According to these characteristics, it is expected that the use of microwave energy for intensification of the reduction of EAF dust in the presence of biochar will succeed in the dust recycling by promoting the processing efficiency with elimination of secondary hazardous pollutants.

Mar 1, 2017

By Chao Li, Shi Sun, Hongxu Li, Jiaqi Fan, Qi Liu

With the great demand of consumer electronics (CE) and electric vehicles (EV), cobalt has become one of the more scarce energy metals.The recovery of cobalt from a copper converter slag, which contained over 2.4% Co and was accumulated as industrial waste, by reduction-sulfurization smelting was explored. Quantitative analysis of treated slag showed that activated carbon and ferrous sulfide can be used to settle cobalt into matte as Co–Fe alloy. The experiment was carried out at 1673 K with a reducing atmosphere of burning electrode graphite crucible. It was found that the recovery of Co would increase within creased added activated carbon, was unaffected at higher carbon additions, and for low additions of carbon increased at higher FeS additions. Over 95% Co, 99% Cu and 62% Fe could be settled into matte. Preliminary separation of Co from converter slag by pyrometallurgical smelting is proposed.

Mar 1, 2017

By Jongmin Jeong, Jaehong Shin, Joo Hyun Park, Chul-Woo Nam, Kyung-Ho Park

Because sulfur and phosphorus are very harmful in steel products, there are increasing requirements for refining these elements from ferroalloys industries. Hence, in the present study, simultaneous desulfurization (de-S) and reducing dephosphorization (Rde-P) from silicomanganese (SiMn) alloy were investigated using metal-slag equilibration method under highly reducing condition at 1773 K. Experiments were carried out by equilibration between SiMn alloy and MnO-based slag in graphite crucible under p(O2) = 10−18 atm. Slag composition was designed by changing basicity (CaO/SiO2) and MnO content at fixed Al2O3 (=20%) and MgO (=5%) contents. De-S ratio increased with increasing basicity until C/S = 1.5 whereas Rde-P ratio was not significantly affected by slag basicity. This was because thermodynamic driving force of de-S reaction was greater than that of Rde-P reaction under present experimental conditions. The de-S and Rde-P ratios commonly increased with decreasing oxygen partial pressure.

Mar 1, 2017

By Ruirui Wei, Mingrui Yang, Xuewei Lv

Copper slag is a by-product obtained during smelting of copper from copper ores. In China, for one ton of metal production about 2.2 tons of copper slag was generated, and approximately 15 million tons slag is produced in 2013. Dumping and disposal of such huge quantities of slag will cause environmental and space problems. Most importantly, copper slag cannot be made full use of to maximize its value. In this study, copper slag was used to take the place of scrap iron and part of silica in traditional process and to produce FeSi alloy as the main material. Utilizing silica and copper slag as the raw materials and coke as the reducing agent, FeSi45 was produced in the induction furnace. In addition, the effect of different n(C)/n(O) on FeSi45 has been investigated.Increasing n(C)/n(O) is beneficial to form the stable phase of FeSi. Meanwhile, n(C)/n(O) greatly affects the reduction and recovery of silicon than iron. When n(C)/n(O) equals 1.10, the recovery of silicon and iron is about 77 and 95%, respectively.

Mar 1, 2017

By Ygor Macabu de Moraes, Jean Igor Margem, Carolina Gomes Dias Ribeiro, Frederico Muylaert Margem, Sergio Neves Monteiro, João Batista Vasconcelos

A natural fiber presents interfacial characteristics with polymeric matrices that favor a high impact energy absorption by the composite structure. The objective of this work was then to assess the Izod impact resistance of polymeric composites reinforced with one or two layers of batt malva and jute fibers. The results showed are markable increase in the notch toughness with increasing layers of mauve blankets and jute.This can be attributed to a preferential debonding of the fiber/matrix interface, which contributes to an elevated absorbed energy.

Mar 1, 2017

By Prakash Venkatesan, Yongxiang Yang, Seshadri Seetharaman, Aida Abbasalizadeh, Jilt Sietsma

Electrolytic production of metallic neodymium is carried out in fused fluoride salts containing neodymium oxide. Two major challenges pertaining to neodymium production are (a) low oxide solubility and (b) possible fluorine gas evolution. A novel iron-based reactive anode is proposed and tested to overcome fluorine gas evolution during electrolysis of neodymium oxide in molten fluoride salts.

Mar 1, 2017

By Q. Cao, A. Pitts, L. Nastac

Accurate prediction of the desulfurization behavior of steel is of great importance for process control during ladle metallurgical furnace (LMF) steel refining. A CFD model capable of simulating multiphase flow with bulk and free surface turbulence phenomena and desulfurization behavior in the gas-stirred ladle has been developed. The fluid flow behavior shows that slag and metal try to entrap each other, forming a two-phase mixing zone. The resulting substantial contact area between the two phases will provide very favorable kinetic conditions for chemical reactions. For reaction kinetics model, the reactions at the metal/slag bath interface as well as the entrapped droplet surface are included. Predicted results show that the sulfur content changing with time in the ladle agrees well with the industrial-scale experimental measurements.

Mar 1, 2017

By Liangying Wen, Jian Xu, Dongdong Wang, Kaihui Ma, Yang Xu

Slags play an important role in blast furnace operation, and their com- positions are based on the CaO –SiO2–MgO–Al2O3 quaternary system. However, there is not a clear understanding of the effects of gangue on of the formation of FeO-bearing primary-slags process in blast furnace. In this work, the softening and dripping experiments under the blast furnace conditions are designed to explore the influences of CaO-/SiO 2-/MgO-/Al2O3 on the softening and melting properties of FeO respectively. The results indicate that additions of CaO or Al2O3 decrease the starting softening temperature and no dripping behaviors are found in comparison with the base case results when only FeO is used. On the contrary, the addition of SiO2 or MgO rises the starting and ending softening temperature, as well as the dripping temperature. The lowest maximum pressure drop is obtained in the case with addition of SiO2. According to XRD analysis results, the initial phase with CaO addition in the primary-slags should be CaOFe3O4 and that with SiO2, MgO, Al2O3 additions are fayalite (2FeOSiO2), magnesioferrite (MgOFeO), hercynite (FeO2Al2O3), respectively.

Mar 1, 2017