Decrepitation of iron ores: a fracture-mechanic approach.

Compact iron ores are normally considered to be non-hydrated materials. Research has shown that hydrated phases are present in these ores, occuring as very thin inclusions in the ore interior. On heating, decomposition of these phases takes place producing water vapour which is locked under pressure in the interior. From the principles of fracture mechanics, a theoretical model has been developed that shows quantitatively that the mechanism of bursting under pressure of the trapped water vapour is sufficient to produce haematite decrepitation.
Compact iron ores are normally considered to be non-hydrated materials. Research has shown that hydrated phases are present in these ores, occuring as very thin inclusions in the ore interior. On heating, decomposition of these phases takes place producing water vapour which is locked under pressure in the interior. From the principles of fracture mechanics, a theoretical model has been developed that shows quantitatively that the mechanism of bursting under pressure of the trapped water vapour is sufficient to produce haematite decrepitation.