2016 Vol. 23, No. 10

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Improved flotation performance of hematite fines using citric acid as a dispersant
Xi-mei Luo, Wan-zhong Yin, Chuan-yao Sun, Nai-ling Wang, Ying-qiang Ma, and  Yun-fan Wang
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1119-1125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1330-0
Abstract:
In this study, citric acid was used as a dispersant to improve the flotation performance of hematite fines. The effect and mechanism of citric acid on the reverse flotation of hematite fines were investigated by flotation tests, sedimentation experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta-potential measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of SEM analysis and flotation tests reveal that a strong heterocoagulation in the form of slime coating or coagulation in hematite fine slurry affects the beneficiation of hematite ores by froth flotation. The addition of a small amount of citric acid (less than 300 g/t) favorably affects the reverse flotation of hematite fines by improving particle dispersion. The results of sedimentation experiments, zeta-potential measurements, and XPS measurements demonstrate that citric acid adsorbs onto hematite and quartz surfaces via hydrogen bonding, thereby reducing the zeta potentials of mineral surfaces, strengthening the electrical double-layer repulsion between mineral particles, and dispersing the pulp particles.
Thermodynamic analysis of the carbothermic reduction of a high-phosphorus oolitic iron ore by FactSage
Wen Yu, Qiong-yao Tang, Jiang-an Chen, and  Ti-chang Sun
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1126-1132. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1331-z
Abstract:
A thermodynamic analysis of the carbothermic reduction of high-phosphorus oolitic iron ore (HPOIO) was conducted by the FactSage thermochemical software. The effects of temperature, C/O ratio, additive types, and dosages both on the reduction of fluorapatite and the formation of liquid slag were studied. The results show that the minimum thermodynamic reduction temperature of fluorapatite by carbon decreases to about 850°C, which is mainly ascribed to the presence of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe. The reduction rate of fluorapatite increases and the amount of liquid slag decreases with the rise of C/O ratio. The reduction of fluorapatite is hindered by the addition of CaO and Na2CO3, thereby allowing the selective reduction of iron oxides upon controlled C/O ratio. The thermodynamic results obtain in the present work are in good agreement with the experimental results available in the literatures.
Reaction condition optimization and kinetic investigation of roasting zinc oxide ore using (NH4)2SO4
Hong-mei Shao, Xiao-yi Shen, Yi Sun, Yan Liu, and  Yu-chun Zhai
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1133-1140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1332-y
Abstract:
An orthogonal test was used to optimize the reaction conditions of roasting zinc oxide ore using (NH4)2SO4. The optimized reaction conditions are defined as an (NH4)2SO4/zinc molar ratio of 1.4:1, a roasting temperature of 440°C, and a thermostatic time of 60 min. The molar ratio of (NH4)2SO4/zinc is the most predominant factor and the roasting temperature is the second significant factor that governs the zinc extraction. Thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis was used for (NH4)2SO4 and zinc mixed in a molar ratio of 1.4:1 at the heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 K·min-1. Two strong endothermic peaks indicate that the complex chemical reactions occur at approximately 290°C and 400°C. XRD analysis was employed to examine the transformations of mineral phases during roasting process. Kinetic parameters, including reaction apparent activation energy, reaction order, and frequency factor, were calculated by the Doyle–Ozawa and Kissinger methods. Corresponding to the two endothermic peaks, the kinetic equations were obtained.
Upgradation of bauxite by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma
B. R. Parhi, S. K. Sahoo, S. C. Mishra, B. Bhoi, R. K. Paramguru, and  B. K. Satapathy
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1141-1149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1333-x
Abstract:
An approach was developed to upgrade the bauxite ore by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma. A gibbsite-type bauxite sample was obtained from National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Odisha, India. The obtained sample was crushed and sieved (to 100 μm) prior to the chemical analysis and grain-size distribution study. The bauxite sample was calcined in the temperature range from 500 to 700°C for different time intervals to optimize the conditions for maximum moisture removal. This process was followed by the reduction of the calcined ore by molecular hydrogen and hydrogen plasma. Extraction of alumina from the reduced ore was carried out via acid leaching in chloride media for 2 h at 60°C. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry in conjunction with differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the material before and after extraction. Alumina extracted from the reduced ore at the optimum calcination temperature of 700°C and the optimum calcination time of 4 h is found to be 90% pure.
Optimization of strand and final electromagnetic stirrers of round bloom casters with multiple sections
Rui Wang, Yan-ping Bao, Yi-hong Li, and  Hang-Hang An
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1150-1156. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1334-9
Abstract:
Strand electromagnetic stirring (S-EMS) and final electromagnetic stirring (F-EMS) are the main methods used to improve the center porosity and segregation for round blooms. To optimize the stirring conditions, nail shooting tests were conducted for three sections of large round blooms with diameters of ϕ380 mm, ϕ450 mm, and ϕ600 mm. Acid leaching and sulfur print tests were used to investigate the shell thickness. Based on the results of nail shooting tests, a mathematical model of solidification was established, and the variation of shell thickness and the central solid fraction were exactly calculated by the model. By taking all sections into account, the locations of S-EMS and F-EMS were optimized for each section. In the results, the macro-segregation of various sections is improved after the locations of S-EMS and F-EMS systems are changed.
Effects of aging treatment on the microstructure and superelasticity of columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 shape memory alloy
Ji-li Liu, Hai-you Huang, and  Jian-xin Xie
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1157-1166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1335-8
Abstract:
The effect of aging treatment on the superelasticity and martensitic transformation critical stress in columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 shape memory alloy (SMA) at the temperature ranging from 250°C to 400°C was investigated. The microstructure evolution during the aging treatment was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the plate-like bainite precipitates distribute homogeneously within austenitic grains and at grain boundaries. The volume fraction of bainite increases with the increase in aging temperature and aging time, which substantially improves the martensitic transformation critical stress of the alloy, whereas the bainite only slightly affects the superelasticity. This behavior is attributed to a coherent relationship between the bainite and the austenite, as well as to the bainite and the martensite exhibiting the same crystal structure. The variations of the martensitic transformation critical stress and the superelasticity of columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 SMA with aging temperature and aging time are described by the Austin–Rickett equation, where the activation energy of bainite precipitation is 77.2 kJ·mol−1. Finally, a columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 SMA with both excellent superelasticity (5%–9%) and high martensitic transformation critical stress (443–677 MPa) is obtained through the application of the appropriate aging treatments.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of the micrograined hypoeutectic Zn–Mg alloy
J. Kubásek, D. Vojtěch, I. Pospíšilová, A. Michalcová, and  J. Maixner
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1167-1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1336-7
Abstract:
A biodegradable Zn alloy, Zn–1.6Mg, with the potential medical applications as a promising coating material for steel components was studied in this work. The alloy was prepared by three different procedures: gravity casting, hot extrusion, and a combination of rapid solidification and hot extrusion. The samples prepared were characterized by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Vickers hardness, tensile, and compressive tests were performed to determine the samples’ mechanical properties. Structural examination reveals that the average grain sizes of samples prepared by gravity casting, hot extrusion, and rapid solidification followed by hot extrusion are 35.0, 9.7, and 2.1 μm, respectively. The micrograined sample with the finest grain size exhibits the highest hardness (Hv = 122 MPa), compressive yield strength (382 MPa), tensile yield strength (332 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (370 MPa), and elongation (9%). This sample also demonstrates the lowest work hardening in tension and temporary softening in compression among the prepared samples. The mechanical behavior of the samples is discussed in relation to the structural characteristics, Hall–Petch relationship, and deformation mechanisms in fine-grained hexagonal-close-packed metals.
Effect of rheo-diecast process on the mechanical properties of A390 alloy by serpentine channel
Kunhyok Ri, Wei-min Mao, Zhi-kai Zheng, Myongsik Kim, and  Yongho Sin
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1177-1186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1337-6
Abstract:
In this paper, the effects of rheo-diecast process parameters and T6 heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the rheo-diecasting (RDC) semi-solid A390 alloy prepared through pure copper serpentine channel were investigated. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the RDC samples change with the pouring temperature and injection pressure. In this case, a lower pouring temperature results in better tensile strength and elongation of the RDC A390 alloy; however, the tensile strength and elongation decrease when the pouring temperature decreases to 660°C. Higher injection pressures result in the improved mechanical properties of the RDC A390 alloy. To some extent, T6 heat treatment improves the tensile strength and ductility of the RDC A390 alloy compared to those of the non-heat treated alloy. However, when the pouring temperature and injection pressure are greater than 670°C and 70 MPa, respectively, the mechanical properties are sharply diminished.
Preparation of Al72Ni8Ti8Zr6Nb3Y3 amorphous powders and bulk materials
Yu Wu, Xin-fu Wang, and  Fu-sheng Han
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1187-1195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1338-5
Abstract:
Amorphous Al72Ni8Ti8Zr6Nb3Y3 powders were successfully fabricated by mechanical alloying. The microstructure, glass-forming ability, and crystallization behavior of amorphous Al72Ni8Ti8Zr6Nb3Y3 powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The isothermal crystallization kinetics was analyzed by the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation. In the results, the supercooled liquid region of the amorphous alloy is as high as 81 K, as determined by non-isothermal DSC curves. The activation energy for crystallization is as high as 312.6 kJ·mol−1 obtained by Kissinger and Ozawa analyses. The values of Avrami exponent (n) imply that the crystallization is dominated by interface-controlled three-dimensional growth in the early stage and the end stage and by diffusion-controlled two- or three-dimensional growth in the middle stage. In addition, the amorphous Al72Ni8Ti8Zr6Nb3Y3 powders were sintered under 2 GPa at temperatures of 673 K and 723 K. The results show that the Vickers hardness of the compacted powders is as high as Hv 1215.
Corrosion behavior of as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloy in 3.5wt% NaCl solution
S. Manivannan, P. Dinesh, R. Mahemaa, Nandhakumaran MariyaPillai, S. P. Kumaresh Babu, and  Srinivasan Sundarrajan
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1196-1203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1339-4
Abstract:
Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys (x = 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, and 1.5wt%) were prepared through a casting route in an electric resistance furnace under a controlled atmosphere. The cast alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The corrosion behavior of the as-cast Mg–8Li–3Al+xCe alloys were studied under salt spray tests in 3.5wt% NaCl solution at 35°C, in accordance with standard ASTM B–117, in conjunction with potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests. The results show that the addition of Ce to Mg–8Li–3Al (LA83) alloy results in the formation of Al2Ce intermetallic phase, refines both the α-Mg phase and the Mg17Al12 intermetallic phase, and then increases the microhardness of the alloys. The results of PDP and salt spray tests reveal that an increase in Ce content to 1.5wt% decreases the corrosion rate. The best corrosion resistance is observed for the LA83 alloy sample with 1.0wt% Ce.
Nanostructured multilayer thin films of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/gold nanoparticles/glutathione for the electrochemical detection of dopamine
Ekarat Detsri, Sirilak Rujipornsakul, Tanapong Treetasayoot, and  Pawarit Siriwattanamethanon
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1204-1214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1340-y
Abstract:
In the present study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and glutathione (GSH) were used to fabricate multilayer nanoscale thin films. The composite thin films were fabricated by layer-by-layer technique as the films were constructed by the alternate deposition of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes. The MWCNTs were modified via a noncovalent surface modification method using poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) to form a cationic polyelectrolyte. An anionic polyelectrolyte was prepared by the chemical reduction of HAuCl4 using sodium citrate as both the stabilizing and reducing agent to form anionic AuNPs. GSH was used as an electrocatalyst toward the electro-oxidation of dopamine. The constructed composite electrode exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward dopamine with a short response time and a wide linear range from 1 to 100 μmol/L. The limits of detection and quantitation of dopamine are (0.316±0.081) μmol/L and (1.054±0.081) μmol/L, respectively. The method is satisfactorily applied for the determination of dopamine in plasma and urine samples to obtain the recovery in the range from 97.90% to 105.00%.
Hydration kinetics of cementitious materials composed of red mud and coal gangue
Na Zhang, Hong-xu Li, and  Xiao-ming Liu
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1215-1224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1341-x
Abstract:
To elucidate the intrinsic reaction mechanism of cementitious materials composed of red mud and coal gangue (RGC), the hydration kinetics of these cementitious materials at 20°C was investigated on the basis of the Krstulović–Dabić model. An isothermal calorimeter was used to characterize the hydration heat evolution. The results show that the hydration of RGC is controlled by the processes of nucleation and crystal growth (NG), interaction at phase boundaries (I), and diffusion (D) in order, and the pozzolanic reactions of slag and compound-activated red mud–coal gangue are mainly controlled by the I process. Slag accelerates the clinker hydration during NG process, whereas the compound-activated red mud–coal gangue retards the hydration of RGC and the time required for I process increases with increasing dosage of red mud–coal gangue in RGC.
Formation mechanism of calcium hexaluminate
Jun-hong Chen, Hai-yang Chen, Ming-wei Yan, Zheng Cao, and  Wen-jun Mi
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1225-1230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1342-9
Abstract:
To investigate the formation mechanism of calcium hexaluminate (CaAl12O19, CA6), the analytically pure alumina and calcia used as raw materials were mixed in CaO/Al2O3 ratio of 12.57:137.43 by mass. The raw materials were ball-milled and shaped into green specimens, and fired at 1300–1600°C. Then, the phase composition and microstructure evolution of the fired specimen were studied, and a first principle calculation was performed. The results show that in the reaction system of CaO and Al2O3, a small amount of CA6 forms at 1300°C, and greater amounts are formed at 1400°C and higher temperatures. The reaction is as follows: CaO·2Al2O3 (CA2) + 4Al2O3 → CA6. The diffusions of Ca2+ in CA2 towards Al2O3 and Al3+ in Al2O3 towards CA2 change the structures in different degrees of difficulty. Compared with the difficulty of structural change and the corresponding lattice energy change, it is deduced that the main formation mechanism is the diffusion of Ca2+ in CA2 towards Al2O3.
One step sintering of homogenized bauxite raw material and kinetic study
Chang-he Gao, Peng Jiang, Yong Li, Jia-lin Sun, Jun-jie Zhang, and  Huan-ying Yang
2016, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 1231-1238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-016-1343-8
Abstract:
A one-step sintering process of bauxite raw material from direct mining was completed, and the kinetics of this process was analyzed thoroughly. The results show that the sintering kinetics of bauxite raw material exhibits the liquid-phase sintering behavior. A small portion of impurities existed in the raw material act as a liquid phase. After X-ray diffraction analyses, scanning electron microscopy observations, and kinetics calculations, sintering temperature and heating duration were determined as the two major factors contributing to the sintering process and densification of bauxite ore. An elevated heating temperature and longer duration favor the densification process. The major obstacle for the densification of bauxite material is attributed to the formation of the enclosed blowhole during liquid-phase sintering.