Effect of Sodium Sulfate Addition on the Production of Ferronickel from Lateritic Ore

Lateritic nickel ore from Manisa -Çaldağ region was roasted to form ferronickel at 1200 • C for 1 h with additions of metallurgical coke and sodium sulfate varying by weight 5-15% and 0-20%, respectively.Formed metallic part of roasted sample was separated from non-metallic part by magnet and examined by means of X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy.In spite of kamacite α-(Fe,Ni) formation, iron-rich silicate structure that causes iron losses was observed for samples roasted with only coke.Kamacite formation increased with increment of the coke percentage but iron-rich silicate structure remained almost same.With addition of sodium sulfate, elimination of iron-rich silicate phase was achieved and easily magnetizable metallic particles were obtained.