This paper critically reviews published research on silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (‘SFCA’) phases, the major bonding phases found in modern iron ore sinters. In particular, we focus on describing the different ‘SFCA’¹ phases formed in iron ore sinter and examining their phase chemistry, crystal structures, characteristic textures and microstructures, and formation conditions. Information for the two main bonding phases SFCA and SFCA-I are reviewed and, based on a critical analysis of the data, we suggest future research directions required to generate the information necessary to fully describe the properties of both phases.

¹Throughout this text the acronym ‘SFCA’ in single quotation marks refers to undifferentiated ‘SFCA’-like phases. These may consist of substituted calcium ferrites, SFCA sensu stricto and SFCA-I.