Effects of an inorganic binder on the strength property of cold-bonded pellets

Binder is a necessary part in cold-bonded pellets, which could enable the pellets to survive in subsequent handling. A new type of silica-alumina oxide inorganic binder was employed in this study. The preparation of pellets was researched and optimized through single factor experiment. The microstructure of pellets was observed by SEM-EDS and OM. A set of different operation parameters, n (H 2 O)/ n (Na 2 O), n (Na 2 O)/ n (SiO 2 ) and n (SiO 2 )/ n (Al 2 O 3 ) during the preparation of binder and the ratio of binder in pellets were investigated and results showed that pellets prepared under a n (H 2 O)/ n (Na 2 O) of 15.5, n (Na 2 O)/ n (SiO 2 ) of 0.3 and n (SiO 2 )/ n (Al 2 O 3 ) of 4.25 were proved to have the optimal strength. With the ratio of binder rose, strength of pellets increased correspondingly, and there were three kinds of existing forms of binder in pellets. Pellets roasted in inert and reducing atmosphere were also studied. Results indicated that the new type of inorganic binder used in this experiment has a great high temperature stability.