Characterization of iron ore pellets by multimodal microscopy and image analysis

Abstract

A correlative approach employing optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy is proposed for the quantification of phases and pores in iron ore pellets. Combining mosaic images covering the full cross-sections of pellets, obtained with both techniques, it is possible to improve the discrimination of pores, quartz and silicates. First, the images must be carefully registered to show the exact same regions. The procedure for registration, discrimination and quantification was developed with Fiji open source software. A qualitative and quantitative analysis confirmed the advantages of the correlative method as compared to the individual techniques.