An Appraisal by M.I.P of the Changes Induced in the Microstructure of Complex Sulfide Ores by Reactive Thermal Treatments in H2 and N2

Summary Changes in the microstructure of complex sulfide ores resulting from reactive thermal treatments in either H2 or N2 were investigated qualitatively by combined scanning electron microscopy and X ray microanalysis, and quantitatively by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and mercury pycnometry. With increasing treatment temperature, we successively observed: 1) the development of fractures, preferentially at interfaces between the various mineral components, 2) the development of meso and macropores and the simultaneous swelling of the solids and 3) the crystallization or recrystallization of the metal or sufide phase products. In all cases the specific pore volume and mean pore dia…