Production of pig iron nugget from low-grade iron ore and pyrolyzed oil-palm-empty-fruit-bunch composites

Abstract

Utilization of low-grade iron ore and pyrolyzed oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is an effective way as the solution to deal with the depletion of iron reserves and administer of empty fruit bunch waste. This study was aimed to analyze the pig iron that is produced by carbothermic reduction of low-grade iron ore with pyrolyzed palm oil EFB as a reductant. The ore from Lampung was reduced at temperature 1400°C and 1450°C for holding time 40 minutes with inert condition (N2 atmosphere). The structures of pig iron were studied by using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and the microstructures and chemical composition were analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). It was found that iron nugget that was reduced at 1450°C for 40 minutes that was wholly separated from its slag, with reduction degree 98.5%, metallization degree 99.2%. The microstructure has metallic iron as a base with some pores. On the other hand, the other iron nuggets that are not separated from its slag consist of two prominent phases, metallic iron and lamellar fayalite (Fe2SiO4).