Potential of Pinewood Biochar as an Eco-Friendly Reducing Agent in Iron Ore Reduction

This study investigated the optimal proportion of biochar derived from pinewood pellets (PW) and coke as reducing agents for the carbothermal reduction of iron ore at high temperatures. Thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the raw materials. To determine the effect of biochar proportion on reduction efficiency, presented as metallization, metallized pellets were subjected to chemical analysis, including total iron (T.Fe) analysis, metallic iron (M.Fe) analysis, and residual Fe₂O₃ and FeO analysis. The results indicated that the addition of biochar derived from PW, with coke as a reducing agent, considerably increased the efficiency of carbothermal reduction. Optimal reduction conditions were established at a reduction temperature of 1300 °C and a holding time of 20 min, with 20% coke and 80% pinewood char. In summary, biochar derived from PW can be used as an alternative to coke as a reducing agent in the iron reduction process. In addition, biomass can be used as a reducing agent to mitigate carbon consumption by reducing the amount of coke required in iron production.