Different Effects of Wet and Dry Grinding on the Activation of Iron Ore Tailings

Abstract

Improving the activity of Iron Ore Tailings (IOTs) to utilize them as a mineral admixture in cement-based minerals is still challenging. In this paper, the wet grinding technology was employed to stimulate the activity of IOTs, and the traditional dry grinding method was used as a reference. The effect of wet grinding on the activation of IOTs was evaluated through ion leaching from an alkaline solution and the reactivity index. Additionally, a detailed comparison between Dry-grinding Iron Ore Tailings (DIOTs) and Wet-grinding Iron Ore Tailings (WIOTs) was made. This comparison was based on particle characteristics, crystal structures, chemical structure, and surface properties. The results showed that the particle size of IOTs reduced rapidly during wet grinding. In addition, WIOTs had a higher activity index compared to DIOTs. The storage of lattice distortions in the quartz crystal structure was also more significant during the wet grinding process than during the dry grinding process. Moreover, both prolonged dry and wet grinding could destabilize the Si-O bond and decrease the surface binding energy.