EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM FLUX ON SUPER FLUXED SINTERS

The effect of magnesium flux on super fluxed sinters have been studied . Burum dolomitic limestone, which is proposed to be used as one of th e fluxing materials for Ajaokuta sinter mix, was used as the source of magnesium oxide. It was observed that magnesium sinter was stronger t han normal sinters especially at basicity 1.2-1.4. This was attributed to a decrease in the quantity of pure calcium silicate as a result of the formation of mervinite. At higher basicities the strengthening ro le of magnesium flux decreased. Use of magnesium flux in sintering res ulted in a higher temperature of sintering culminating in an improveme nt of the degree of desulphurization of the produced sinter. With the addition of magnesium flux to a super fluxed sinter mix the decrease i n sinter strength normally observed in normal super fluxed sinters whe n the basicity is within 1.2-1.4 as reported by Okeke (1991b) is elimi nated.