In this study, the effects of process parameters, such as gas composition and reduction temperature, were investigated. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were used to identify the products in different atmospheres. Experimental results indicate that the three-dimensional diffusion controlled model is suited to the reduction process. The compressive strength of the produced pellets gradually decreased as the temperature increased from 700 degrees C to 900 degrees C in all atmospheres. The formation of the iron whiskers made the adjacent grains loose and eventually caused the decrease of the compressive strength. The presence of H-2 atmosphere had a strong effect on the pellets reduction due to the formation of porous and fibrous iron. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.