Application of high-alumina type calcium ferrite: A new strategy of mineral phase regulation instead of chemical composition regulation in iron ore sintering

• Substituting Al2O3 with A-type high-alumina calcium ferrite (SFCA) in sintering enhances sinter compressive strength by 6.76 MPa and reducibility by 0.33, achieving 22.57 MPa and 0.85, respectively. • Increasing A-type SFCA proportion raises calcium ferrite and composite calcium ferrite contents while reducing Al2O3, CaO, SiO2, and silicate phases, improving sinter mineralogy and reducing porosity. • A cost-effective SFCA production method using high-alumina ores, hazardous waste, and iron-calcium-based solid waste promotes industrial solid waste recycling and lowers production costs. • A-type SFCA demonstrates superior mechanical properties, reducibility, and melting characteristics, offering a promising strategy for optimizing sinter performance and reducing carbon emissions in ironmaking.