Análise da ação da bentonita na pelotização de minério de ferro

Abstract

This work aims to study the use of bentonite in the iron ore pelletizing process, comparing its efficiency with other organic binders that have been developed for this application. Pelletizing is a technique widely used in Brazil to utilize fines from ores such as hematite and itabirite, in addition to adding value to the product for export and improving steel production efficiency. Bentonite, a clay mineral from the smectite group, is currently the most used binder due to its swelling capacity and its ability to enhance the physical and metallurgical properties of pellets. The study also highlights Brazil's relevance in the global context, being the second-largest producer and exporter of iron ore, with the largest bentonite deposits located in the state of Paraíba. The focus of this work is to evaluate whether the replacement of bentonite with organic binders is feasible while maintaining pellet quality and performance in the pelletizing process.