SYNTHESIS OF IRON CARBIDE BY REACTION OF IRON-ORES WITH H-2-CO GAS-MIXTURES BEARING TRACES OF SULFUR

Particles of hematite ores in a porcelain boat were reduced and carbur ized at 823 similar to 223 K by H-2-CO mixtures under low sulfur press ures where metallic iron remained stable. Within major of these variou s conditions nearly one hour reaction could convert their particles co mpletely to iron carbides such as mostly Fe3C. It was found that trace s of gaseous sulfur makes iron carbides enough stable rather than free carbon or metallic iron. Their conversion yields were insensitive to inlet H-2/CO mole ratio and ore type. Total sulfur contents in product s obtained for lower sulfur pressures were as low as conventional redu ced irons.