Abstract
The study reported was intended to improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings, using a method of sodium roasting that uses boron-bearing tailings as the raw material and Na(2)CO(3) as the sodium agent. The effects of the roasting temperature and Na(2)CO(3) amount on the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings are mainly evaluated. The morphology and composition of the samples after sodium roasting are analysed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that sodium roasting can significantly improve the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings. Under the optimal conditions where roasting temperature is 950°C, Na(2)CO(3) amount is five times the theoretical amount and roasting time is 2 h, the leaching rate of boron-bearing tailings is up to 86.78%. Based on the analysis of the characterization results and the mechanism analysis of the sodium roasting process, the main reason for the increase of leaching rate is the reaction between Na(2)O produced by the decomposition of Na(2)CO(3) and the boron in boron-bearing tailings resulting in soluble sodium borate. The results provide a scientific basis for the efficient comprehensive use of boron-bearing tailings.