Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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item: Conference-Full-text
Value addition options for Sri Lankan low-grade iron ores: the critical role of goethite-to-magnetite conversion
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Peiris, NG; Kishaan, J; Wickramarachchi, ND; Dissanayake, DMV; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR; Rohitha, LPS
Sri Lanka possesses approximately 2.2 million tonnes of iron ore deposits, predominantly as hydrated iron oxides in regions like Dela and Pelpitigoda. This study investigates value addition pathways for these low-grade ores through strategic beneficiation. Four iron ore samples were characterized using XRD and ICP-MS, revealing goethite as the dominant phase in hydrated deposits with iron contents of 58.52% (Dela) and 31.23% (Pelpitigoda). Roasting of goethite samples at 450°C for 4 hours successfully transformed them into magnetite with 85-90% and 70-75% phase conversion efficiency, respectively. The converted magnetite showed iron enrichment to 64.83% (Dela) and 31.76% (Pelpitigoda) through structural water removal and exhibited strong ferromagnetic properties essential for downstream processing. As iron ore deposits in the country aren’t utilized in the steel industry due to low grades or low resource content, the converted magnetite enables multiple value-added opportunities, including ferrosilicon production for import substitution, iron oxide pigment synthesis, cement manufacturing applications, ceramic tile production, and emerging nanotechnology applications. This pre-processing step transforms underutilized hydrated iron ores into versatile industrial feedstock. The study demonstrates that goethite-to-magnetite conversion is essential for unlocking the economic potential of Sri Lanka's low-grade iron ore resources, supporting sustainable industrial development.
item: Conference-Full-text
Recovery performance of sodium cocoate (NaCo) as a collector in froth flotation
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Kumarasinghe, RDMM; Sajidh, JM; Madhushan, AGM; Rohitha, LPS; Rathnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR; Vijitha, AVP; De Silva, KBA
Sri Lanka consists of high-grade quartz deposits with a purity level of 99.5%. However, a huge amount of low-grade quartz is abandoned in mine sites without any processing, causing resource underutilization and environmental damage. Froth flotation has proven its efficiency for processing low-grade quartz in previous studies. Conventional collectors with more than 90% of high recovery used in those studies show environmental hazards and low biodegradability. These collectors are usually fatty acids or fatty amines. In this study, the quartz flotation potential of Sodium Cocoate, (a naturally derived fatty acid salt), as a flotation collector was evaluated under controlled conditions: pH 11, temperature of 28-30 °C, particle size range of 90-150 microns, slurry density of 1007 kg/m³, impeller speed 280 rpm and bubble rate 0.004 m3/s. The highest average recovery obtained was 28.19±1.28% out of 100 g of the initial quartz sample, which was comparatively low, suggesting that NaCo is a weak collector.
item: Conference-Full-text
Optimization of grinding efficiency of a dolomite plant to cater glass manufacturing industry
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Janarthanan, K; Harshani, AGG; Thanusan, P; Senaratne, HKL; Samaradivakara, GVI
The glass industry necessitates stringent particle size specifications for raw materials such as dolomite to ensure product integrity and process quality. In this paper, it is suggested that there is a systematic study to optimize the grinding efficiency of a dolomite processing plant to meet such stringent specifications. The research focused on the optimization of a pre-existing secondary ball milling circuit to produce a higher dolomite percentage of particles size lesser than 700 μm, while closely controlling the production of fines (<150 μm). The selection of dolomite with improved grinding characteristics was based on material pre-characterization through Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and moisture content. Three systematic ball mill studies were conducted to examine various breaking mechanisms in different feed size ranges (5-1.7 mm, 3-1.7 mm, and 1.7 mm-700 μm). The experiments indicate an interdependence between feed size and media charge. The final optimized trial, with a fine feed (1.7 mm-700 μm) and intermediate-weighted ball charge (30% 60 mm, 50% 40 mm, 20% 30 mm), could successfully produce a product that contained 90.2% passing 600 μm while 29.3% passing 150 μm. The outcome confirms the two-stage grinding strategy and offers a fact-based path to success in meeting the glass industry's specifications.
item: Conference-Full-text
Property enhancement of graphite-based-battery
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Sampath, LPSS; Ranasinghe, EH; Kirushan, P; Rohitha, LPS; Rathnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR; Wickramarachchi, WASM
This study presents a comparative evaluation of graphite oxide (GO) and microwave-exfoliated graphite oxide (MEGO) as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, with synthesized sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO₂) serving as the cathode. GO was prepared via a modified Hummers method, and MEGO was obtained by subjecting GO to microwave irradiation. Structural and morphological characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative image analysis with ImageJ software. Morphological analysis revealed that GO exhibited enhanced surface area enhancement (88.8% increase) compared to raw graphite. Surface roughness analysis demonstrated progressive texture enhancement, with microwave treatment contributing 75% of total surface roughness improvement. Sodium manganese oxide (NaMnO₂) cathodes were synthesized using both analytical-grade and recovered MnO₂ from spent Zn-MnO₂ batteries. XRD analysis revealed that recovered MnO₂ unexpectedly demonstrated enhanced phase purity (83% identified phases) compared to analytical-grade material (43% identified phases). Electrochemical testing showed GO-based anodes delivered approximately twice the capacity (0.232 mAh) compared to MEGO anodes (0.107 mAh), with better voltage stability and discharge duration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing recycled battery materials for cathode synthesis while establishing GO as a more promising anode material than MEGO for sodium-ion battery applications.
item: Conference-Full-text
Modified Kaolinite fine clay to remove lead from the contaminated water
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Thepulasingha, TMKC; Weerasinghe, WMLB; Tepeeskan, L; Fernando, WAM; Wickrama, MADMG
Kaolinite clay has emerged as a valuable material in environmental remediation, particularly for treating contaminated water. This study examines the potential of kaolin clay, in both its raw and modified forms, for the efficient removal of heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb), from wastewater. The unique physical and chemical properties of kaolin, such as its high surface area, adsorption capacity, and structural stability, make it an effective adsorbent for a wide range of contaminants. This research evaluates various modification methods, including acid activation, intercalation, and calcination. Treatment with coal fly ash, aimed at enhancing its adsorption properties through intercalation, is also investigated. Characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to assess the structural and chemical changes induced by these modifications. Adsorption kinetics were evaluated to measure effectiveness during the study. The study showed higher lead adsorption in coal fly ash-treated kaolin compared to its raw form. Kaolin clay, being a naturally abundant and cost-effective mineral, presents a sustainable solution for water treatment, demonstrating significant potential for future applications in heavy metal removal.