Infiltration behavior of sintering liquid on nuclei ores during low-titanium ore sintering process

Sinter strength is dependent not only on the self-intensity of the residual rude and bonding phase but also on the bonding degree between them. The infiltration behavior of sintering liquid on nuclei ores influences the bonding degree, which ultimately determines the sinter strength. Infiltration tests were conducted using micro-sinter equipment. The infiltration area index of original liquid (IAO), infiltration volume index of secondary liquid (IVS), and sinter body bonding strength (SBS) were proposed to study the melt infiltration behavior. The results show that the IVS first increases and then decreases with increasing TiO₂ content in adhering fines, whereas the IAO exhibits the opposite behavior. Compared with the original liquid, the secondary liquid shows lower porosity, smaller pores, and more uniform distribution. The SBS increases first and then decreases with increasing IAO and TiO₂ content, and reaches a maximum when the IAO and TiO₂ contents are approximately 0.5 and 2.0wt%, respectively. The SBS first increases and then tends to be stable with increasing IVS. The TiO₂ content is suggested to be controlled to approximately 2.0wt% in low-titanium ore sintering.