Effect of TiO₂ on the Sintering Behavior of Low-Grade Vanadiferous Titanomagnetite Ore

Low-grade vanadiferous titanomagnetite ore (LVTM) is as an important mineral resource for sintering ore manufacturing. Furthermore, TiO₂ has a significant effect on the sintering process of iron ore fines. The effects of TiO₂ on the metallurgical properties, microstructure, and mineral composition of LVTM sinter were investigated by sintering pot tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mineral phase microanalysis. The results were as follows: as the TiO₂ content increased from 1.75% to 4.55%, the flame front speed and productivity decreased, while the reduction degradation index (RDI) and softening properties deteriorated. In addition, the tumbler index (TI) values reached a maximum at TiO₂ = 1.75%. In addition, with increasing TiO₂ content, an increase in the magnetite and perovskite phase, and a decrease in calcium ferrite and hematite were found with an increase in TiO₂ content. Thus, the lower the TiO₂ content, the better the quality of the sinter.