Reduction Behavior of Hematite-Biowaste Composite Pellets at Melting Temperature

The iron and steel industry is one of the prominent industrial sectors in the world since steel is a vital material with a wide range of applications in daily life. The ferrous industries are associated with various issues like extensive greenhouse gas emissions, energy-intensive processes, and heavy reliance on fossil fuels and natural resources. At the same time, concern regarding waste generation and its management is taking up the momentum and calls are being made for recycling and green recovery. The reuse of waste materials in the manufacturing process can make the industries' circular economy resilient. Thus, the current work is based on the usage of a biowaste, namely, spent coffee grounds for hematite reduction. Composite pellets of hematite and transformed-spent coffee grounds (T-SCGs) are heat-treated at a melting temperature of 1550 degrees C. The effect of both binary and quaternary basicity on the reduction behavior is also studied. T-SCGs have hydrogen in their molecular structure which enhances the reduction mechanism. Overall, the employment of biowaste for iron recovery will aid in making the industry sector more sustainable. The ferrous industry faces challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and heavy reliance on fossil fuels. To promote sustainability, this study explores the use of biowaste, specifically spent coffee grounds, for reducing hematite. Composite pellets of hematite and transformed-spent coffee grounds are directly heat-treated at 1550 degrees C, considering the impact of binary and quaternary basicity on the reduction process.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH