The Effect of Zn Content and Granulation Temperature on Zn Leaching in an Fe-Saturated (Fe<sub>X</sub>Zn<sub>(1−X)</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>4</sub> System

The zinc in the fayalite slag of copper smelters, in which Zn-containing raw materials are used, is mainly found to be in oxidic phases, such as glassy iron silicate. During the slag water granulation process, the molten slag is heated, whereby the granulated slag achieves varying granulation temper...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jakob Kero Andertun, Pasi Peltola, Fredrik Engström, Caisa Samuelsson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-06-01
Series:Minerals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/12/6/767
Description
Summary:The zinc in the fayalite slag of copper smelters, in which Zn-containing raw materials are used, is mainly found to be in oxidic phases, such as glassy iron silicate. During the slag water granulation process, the molten slag is heated, whereby the granulated slag achieves varying granulation temperatures. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize and assess the leaching behavior of a synthesized Fe-saturated (Fe<sub>X</sub>,Zn<sub>(1−X)</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SiO<sub>4</sub> system to understand the dependance of the zinc leaching behavior on the parameters of the ZnO content (1–10 wt.%) and granulation temperature (1300 or 1400 °C). It was found that the Zn leaching increased with the increasing Zn content and granulation temperature, using both batch and static pH leaching methods. Zn leaching was further increased at pH 5 using diluted nitric acid under oxidation conditions. Among the oxides in the samples—fayalite, spinel, and glass—glass was found to contribute to Zn leaching, owing to its weathering during pH-titration.
ISSN:2075-163X