ARC Linkage Projects

The Green Manufacturing Research Hub and the Microrecycling Research Hub are both ARC Linkage programs. This section provides details on other Linkage funded programs.

2012 ARC Linkage Program - Recycling lignocellulosic agricultural waste as an iron oxide reductant in ferrous processing

This project sought to recycle agricultural waste as a renewable carbon resource to replace coal-based metallurgical coke as a raw material in ferrous processing. This approach could lead to an innovative recycling of this waste, wherein nothing is wasted and maximum value is extracted from agricultural materials.

Working with industry partners MicroBiogen, MolyCop and One Steel, the main aim of this project was to create the fundamental science for innovative recycling of lignocellulosic agricultural waste for iron oxide reduction at steelmaking temperatures.

The following objectives were achieved:

• Created the fundamental science for innovative recycling of lignocellulosic agricultural waste for iron oxide reduction at steelmaking temperatures.
• Successfully determined thermal transformations of agricultural waste at high temperatures; specifically the formation of solid
• carbon and gaseous reductants; in-depth characterization of solid carbonaceous residues and volatiles/gases released including fixed carbon and impurity contents, atomic level structural order and chemical composition of gases.
• Determined fundamentals of iron oxide reduction in the presence of solid/gaseous reductants from agricultural waste focusing on key factors that control reaction kinetics, metal yield and interfacial phenomena: raw material characteristics such as lignin and cellulose contents, particle size, chemical composition, impurities, structural order, reaction temperature.
• Establish fundamental understanding of mechanisms of iron oxide reduction through innovative recycling of agricultural waste; the influence of solid carbon and gaseous reductants; structure and impurities in the waste materials; optimize agricultural waste characteristics for reduction reactions; Conduct industrial trials to maximize waste recycling and metal productivity.

Select research outcomes

Carbon Dissolution Using Waste Biomass - A Sustainable Approach for Iron-Carbon Alloy Production

Formation of carbyne-like materials during low temperature pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass: A natural
resource of linear sp carbons

Valorization of lignin biomass as a carbon feedstock in steel industry: Iron oxide reduction, steel carburizing and
slag foaming

Carbon nano-sponge with enhanced electrochemical properties: A new understanding of carbon activation