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Experimental Study and Thermodynamic Calculations in the CaO–Cu2O–FeO–Fe2O3–SiO2 System for Applications in Novel Copper-Based Processes

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Abstract

A combination of high-temperature experiments and thermodynamic modeling in the CaO–Cu2O–FeO–Fe2O3–SiO2 system provides the fundamental information necessary to design and improve processes such as WEEE recycling through black copper route, continuous converting of copper matte, copper dross smelting, slag cleaning, and valorization of copper slag. In the experiments, samples were equilibrated on a primary phase substrate or Fe metal foil, then rapidly quenched and studied using the Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis. The FactSage software was used for calculations, combined with custom developed thermodynamic database. A systematic analysis is provided to select the fluxing strategy and increase the copper recovery in industrial processes. Slag liquidus and concentration of copper in slag were assessed as functions of oxygen partial pressure, temperature, Fe/SiO2 in slag, and wt% CaO in slag.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support and technical guidance by the consortium of copper producers: Aurubis AG (Germany), BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Operation (Australia), Glencore Technology (Australia), Outotec Oy (Finland), Anglo American Platinum (South Africa), Umicore NV (Belgium), Rio Tinto Kennecott (USA), Peñoles (Mexico), RHI-Magnesita (Austria), Boliden (Sweden), and Australian Research Council through Linkage project LP190101020 “Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy.” The authors are grateful to Prof. Peter C. Hayes for discussions and valuable advice on this study and to Ms. Suping Huang for assistance with conducting experiments. Present study would not be possible without the facilities and technical assistance of the Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility at the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis in The University of Queensland.

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  1. PYROSEARCH, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Denis Shishin, Maksym Shevchenko & Evgueni Jak

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  1. Denis Shishin
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Correspondence to Denis Shishin.

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Shishin, D., Shevchenko, M. & Jak, E. Experimental Study and Thermodynamic Calculations in the CaO–Cu2O–FeO–Fe2O3–SiO2 System for Applications in Novel Copper-Based Processes. J. Sustain. Metall. 7, 300–313 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40831-021-00341-7

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