This study investigated the effects of oxidative firing parameters and raw material characteristics on the pelletization of Australian and Minh Son (Vietnam) iron ore concentrates. The influence of firing temperature (1050°C–1150°C) and holding time (15–120 min) on pellet compressive strength was examined, focusing on microstructural changes during consolidation. Green pellets were prepared using controlled particle size distributions and bentonite as a binder. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that grain boundary diffusion, liquid phase formation, and densification significantly improved mechanical strength. X-ray diffraction confirmed the complete oxidation of magnetite to hematite at elevated temperatures, a critical transformation for metallurgical performance. Optimal firing conditions for both single and blended ore compositions yielded compressive strengths above 250 kgf/pellet, satisfying the requirements for blast furnace applications. These results provide valuable guidance for improving pellet production, promoting the efficient utilization of diverse ore types, and enhancing the overall performance of ironmaking operations.

I. Introduction 
II. Materials and Methods 
    2.1. Raw Materials and Pellet Preparation 
    2.2. Firing, Mechanical Testing, and Microstructural Characterization 
III. Results and Discussion 
    3.1. Compressive Strength Testing 
    3.2. Morphological Changes of Fracture Surfaces 
    3.3. Elemental Analysis in Fired Iron Ore Pellets 
IV. Conclusion 
Funding
Conflict of Interest 
Data Availability Statement 
Author Information and Contribution 
Acknowledgments
References

• Ngo Quoc Dung(Faculty of Materials Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)
• Tran Xuan Hai(Faculty of Materials Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)
• Nguyen Minh Thuyet(Faculty of Materials Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)
• Arvind Barsiwal(Faculty of Materials Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)
• Nguyen Hoang Viet(Faculty of Materials Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam) Corresponding author
• Nguyen Quang Tung(Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Joint Stock Company, Binh Son, Quang Ngai 570000, Vietnam)