Characterization on particle size distribution of reduced lateritic nickel ore using biomass carbon reduction

The use of biomass carbon as a reducing agent in lateritic nickel ore reduction is one alternative to substitute dependence on conventional reducing agents such as coal and cokes. The difference in particle size distribution from reduced ore shows differences in characteristics that can be used as a reference in the next step extraction process of lateritic nickel ore. In this study, characterization of lateritic nickel ore reduction at high temperatures using coconut shell charcoal as a biomass carbon reducing agent. Reduction process was carried out at 1200°C and holding for 90 minutes, heating continued until 1500°C and held for 15 minutes. Effect of particle size distribution from lateritic ores reduction was investigated by chemical composition, especially changes in the composition of iron and nickel. Also, mineralogy analysis and microstructure characterization were performed to analyze compounds, morphology and elemental mapping analysis after reduction in each particle size distribution.