Mössbauer analysis of iron ore and rapidly reduced iron ore treated by micro-discharge using carbon felt

Several samples of iron ores produced in Australia and Brazil were analyzed by Mossbauer spectrometry. Almost all iron ores are composed of hematite, goethite, and fine grains of the oxides, of which the ratios are different among production area. The amount ratio of hematite and goethite, determined by Mossbauer spectrometry, were almost consistent with those obtained by a conventional chemical analysis especially for iron ore with less goethite. Iron ores were treated by a micro discharge using carbon felt (MD/CF). It is found that FeO, Fe(CO3), and Fe3O4 are produced by MD/CF. The treatment by MD/CF is efficient in rapid reduction of iron ores.