Characteristics and Classification of Mineral Powder Binders

Ore powder binder is a key material used to agglomerate metal or non-metal ore powders into pellets or briquettes, widely applied in metallurgy, chemical, energy, and other industries. The following provides a comprehensive analysis from aspects such as product characteristics, application scenarios, technical advantages, usage methods, and market dynamics:
I. Product Characteristics and Classification
1. Environmental Friendliness 
Most binders are made from high-molecular polymers, free from harmful elements such as sulfur, phosphorus, and arsenic. They only produce CO₂ and water upon combustion, meeting environmental requirements. For example, products from Shilock and Bofei both emphasize non-toxicity and harmlessness.
2. High Binding Performance 
The forming rate generally reaches over 98%, with wet ball compressive strength ≥1000N, and dry balls resistant to high temperatures (no disintegration at 1200°C).
Low addition amount (1%-5%) significantly reduces production costs.
3. Wide Adaptability 
Suitable for various raw materials such as iron ore powder, chromium ore powder, dust collection ash, steel slag powder, and coal powder, especially ideal for difficult-to-form ore powders (e.g., chromium ore powder, fluorite powder).
II. Core Application Scenarios
1. Metallurgical Industry 
Transforms waste materials like steel mill dust collection ash and iron oxide scale into cold-pressed pellets, directly used in blast furnaces or electric arc furnace smelting to reduce coke ratio and improve metal recovery rates.
Chromium ore powder pellets are used in ferroalloy production to address poor furnace charge permeability.
2. Energy and Chemical Industries 
Coal powder is formed into industrial boiler briquettes for immediate use without drying.
Non-metal ore powders (e.g., phosphate rock powder, manganese ore powder) are pelletized for use as chemical raw materials.
III. Technical Advantages Comparison
Addition Amount              1%-5% (Shilock 1%-2%, Bofei 2%-4%)                 
Forming Rate             ≥98% (most products)                               
Compressive Strength             Wet balls do not break after a 2-meter drop, dry balls ≥100kg/ball                 
Drying Requirement             Some products require no drying (e.g., Bofei dust collection ash binder)           
Grade Impact             Does not reduce ore powder grade, some enhance reduction performance
IV. Usage Methods and Process
1. Basic Process 
Mix ore powder → Add binder (dry powder or liquid adhesive) → Add water and stir → Press into balls → Air-dry or oven-dry.
2. Key Process Parameters 
Water Control: Adjust based on raw material humidity to ensure the mixture holds together without crumbling.
Binder Dissolution: Some products require prior dissolution in water to form a colloid (e.g., Shilock binder).