Experimental Crystallization of Synthetic V-bearing Steelmaking Slag with Al_2O_3 Doped

The phenomenon of crystallization was implemented in the synthetic V-bearing steelwork slag based on the composition of factory slag from the Masteel Co., and the possibility of undercooling as a technique to precipitate V-concentration phase was demonstrated. The effect of 20wt% Al_2O_3 additive introduced into the slag on intensifing the precipitation was also investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to investigate the slag after heat treatment. It is demonstrated that gehlenite and grossite are the major crystalline phases. Whitlockite with a high content of V_2O_5 (called V-concentration phase hereafter) nucleates homogeneously and hetergeneously and grows with decreasing undercooling. At 1548 K, the crystals of V-concentration phase grow up as the duration of time, with a medium grain size of 25 μm at 300 min holding time.

Effects of iron oxide on crystallization behavior and spatial distribution of spinel in stainless steel slag

Chromium plays a vital role in stainless steel due to its ability to improve the corrosion resistance of the latter.However,the re-lease of chromium from stainless steel slag(SSS)during SSS stockpiling causes detrimental environmental issues.To prevent chromium pollution,the effects of iron oxide on crystallization behavior and spatial distribution of spinel were investigated in this work.The results revealed that FeO was more conducive to the growth of spinels compared with Fe2O3 and Fe3O4.Spinels were found to be mainly distrib-uted at the top and bottom of slag.The amount of spinel phase at the bottom decreased with the increasing FeO content,while that at the top increased.The average particle size of spinel in the slag with 18wt%FeO content was 12.8μm.Meanwhile,no notable structural changes were observed with a further increase in FeO content.In other words,the spatial distribution of spinel changed when the content of iron oxide varied in the range of 8wt%to 18wt%.Finally,less spinel was found at the bottom of slag with a FeO content of 23wt%.

Novel wood-plastic composite fabricated via modified steel slag:Preparation,mechanical and flammability properties

A novel method was developed to enhance the utilization rate of steel slag(SS).Through treatment of SS with phosphoric acid and aminopropyl triethoxysilane(KH550),we obtained modified SS(MSS),which was used to prepare MSS/wood-plastic composites(MSS/WPCs)by replacing talcum powder(TP).The composites were fabricated through melting blending and hot pressing.Their mechanical and combustion properties,which comprise heat release,smoke release,and thermal stability,were systematically investigated.MSS can improve the mechanical strength of the composites through grafting reactions between wood powder and thermoplastics.Notably,MSS/WPC#50(16wt%MSS)with an MSS-to-TP mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited optimal comprehensive performance.Compared with those of WPC#0 without MSS,the tensile,flexural,and impact strengths of MSS/WPC#50 were increased by 18.5%,12.8%,and 18.0%,respectively.Moreover,the MSS/WPC#50 sample achieved the highest limited oxygen index of 22.5%,the highest vertical burning rating at the V-1 level,and the lowest horizontal burning rate at 44.2 mm/min.The formation of a dense and stable char layer led to improved thermal stability and a considerable reduction in heat and smoke releases of MSS/WPC#50.However,the partial replacement of TP with MSS slightly compromised the mechanical and flame-retardant properties,possibly due to the weak grafting caused by SS powder agglomeration.These findings suggest the suitability of MSS/WPCs for high-value-added applications as decorative panels indoors or outdoors.

Multiscale Study on Low Temperature Crack Resistance Mechanism of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixture

The objective of this paper was to study low temperature crack resistance mechanism of steel slag asphalt mixture(SAM).Thermal stress restrained specimen test(TSRST)and three-point bending test were carried out to evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM and basalt asphalt mixture(BAM).Based on the digital image correlation technique(DIC),the strain field distribution and crack propagation of SAM were analyzed from the microscopic point of view,and a new index,crack length factor(C),was proposed to evaluate the crack resistance of the asphalt mixture.The crystal phase composition and microstructure of steel slag aggregate(SA)and basalt aggregate(BA)were studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)to explore the low-temperature crack resistance mechanism of SAM.Results show that the low-temperature crack resistance of SAM is better than that of BAM;SAM has good integrity and persistent elastic deformation,and its bending failure mode is a hysteretic quasi-brittle failure;The SA surface is evenly distributed with pores and has surface roughness.SA has the composition phase of alkaline aggregate-calcite(CaCO3),so it has good adhesion to asphalt,which reveals the mechanism of excellent low-temperature crack resistance of SAM.

Recycling of Local Qatar’s Steel Slag and Gravel Deposits in Road Construction

Every year,the State of Qatar generates about 400,000 tons of steel slag and another 500,000 tons of gravel as a result of steel manufacturing and washing sand,respectively.The two materials(by-products)are not fully utilized to their best market values.At the same time,infrastructural renewal will take place in Qatar over the next ten years,and there will be a greater demand for aggregates and other construction materials as the country suffers from the availability of good aggregates.This paper presents results obtained on the use of steel slag,gravel and gabbro(control)in HMAC(hot mix asphalt concrete)paving mixtures and road bases and sub-bases.Tests were conducted in accordance with QCS-2010(Qatar Construction Specifications)and results were compared with QCS requirements for aggregates used in these applications.Based on the data obtained in this work,steel slag and gravel aggregates have a promising potential to be used in HMAC paving mixtures on Qatar’s roads,whether in asphalt base and asphalt wearing courses or as unbound aggregates in the base and sub-base pavement structure.

Sintering preparation of porous sound-absorbing materials from steel slag

Porous sound-absorbing materials were prepared from steel slag using waste expanded polystyrene（EPS） particles as pore former.The influences of the experimental conditions such as fly ash content,sintering temperature,sintering time,and pore former addition on the performance of the porous sound-absorbing materials were investigated.The results show that the porosity of the specimens can reach above 50.0%;the compressive strength and average sound-adsorption coefficient of the sintered specimens are above 3.0 MPa and 0.47,respectively.The optimum preparation conditions for the steel slag porous sound-absorbing materials are as follows：mass fraction of fly ash 50%,waste EPS particles 3.6 g,sintering temperature 1100℃,and sintering time 7.5h,which are determined by considering the properties of the sound-absorbing materials,energy consumption and cost.

Thermodynamic analysis and formula optimization of steel slag-based ceramic materials by FACTsage software

Using steel slag as a main raw material of ceramics is considered as a high value-added way. However, the relationship among the initial composition, ceramic microstructure, and macroscopic properties requires further study. In this paper, a series of ceramics with different slag ratios （0-70wt%） were designed, and the software FACTsage was introduced to simulate the formation of crystalline phases. The simulation results indicate that mullite is generated but drastically reduced at the slag ratios of 0-25wt%, and anorthite is the dominant crystalline phase in the slag content of 25wt%-45wt%. When the slag ratio is above 45wt%, pyroxene is generated more than anorthite. This is because increasing magnesium can promote the formation of pyroxene. Then, the formula with a slag content of 40wt% was selected and optimized. X-ray diffraction results were good consistent with the simulation results. Finally, the water absorption and bending strength of optimized samples were measured.

Complementation in the composition of steel slag and red mud for preparation of novel ceramics

A method for preparing novel ceramics was developed in this study. Different ratios red muds were added to steel slags to optimize the preparation of novel ceramics by a traditional ceramic preparation process. The sintering mechanism, microstructure, and performance were studied by X-ray diffraction techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and combined experiments of linear shrinkage, water absorption, and flexural strength. The results confirmed that red mud can reduce the volumetric instabilities through the complementarity of red mud and ferroalloy slag. The crystal phases in the ceramics are all pyroxene group minerals, including diopside ferrian, augite, and diopside. The flexural strength of the ceramic that contains 40 wt% red mud and was prepared at the optimal sintering temperature(1140°C) is greater than 93 MPa; its corresponding water absorption is less than 0.05%.

Effect of slag on oxide inclusions in carburized bearing steel during industrial electroslag remelting

Industrial experiments with three types of slags were performed to investigate the effect of slag on oxide inclusions during electroslag remelting(ESR) process. G20CrNi2Mo bearing steel was used as the consumable electrode and remelted using a 2400-kg industrial furnace. The results showed that most inclusions in the electrode were low-melting-point CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3. After ESR, all the inclusions in ingots were located outside the liquid region. When the slag consisted of 65.70 wt% CaF_2, 28.58 wt% Al_2O_3, and 4.42 wt% CaO was used, pure Al_2O_3 were the dominant inclusions in ingot, some of which presented a clear trend of agglomeration. When the ingot was remelted by a multi-component slag with 16.83 wt% CaO, a certain amount of sphere CaAl_4O_7 inclusions larger than 5 μm were generated in ingot. The slag with 8.18 wt% CaO exhibited greater capacity to control the inclusion characteristics. Thermodynamic calculations indicated that the total Ca and Mg in ingots were attributed from the relics in electrode and strongly influenced by the slag composition. The formation of ingot inclusions was calculated by FactSage^(TM) 7.0, and the results were basically in accordance with the observed inclusions, indicating that a quasi-thermodynamic equilibrium could be obtained in the metal pool.

Research on Hydration of Steel Slag Cement Activated with Waterglass

This paper studied the hydration and strength influence factors ofSteel Slag Cement (SSC), such as the quantity of steel slag and slagand the dosage of additive. The results show that: (a) In the processof hydration of SSC, steel slag and slag activate each other; (b)Waterglass's structure forms the preliminary skeleton of SSC, and thehydration products of SSC link or fill in the skeleton; (c) Sodium inWaterglass is the catalytic and its concentration does not change inthe process of hydration. (d) Structure of activation is asignificant factor to the property of SSC.

Methods for Improving Volume Stability of Steel Slag as Fine Aggregate

Suitable methods for enhancing the volume stability of steel slag utilized as fine aggregate were determined. The effects of steam treatment at 100 ℃ and autoclave treatment under 2.0 MPa on the soundness of steel slag sand were investigated by means of powder ratio, linear expansion, compressive and flexural strength. DTA, EDX, XRD and ethylene glycol methods were employed to analyze both the treated slags and susceptible expansion grains. Experimental results indicate that powder ratio, content of free lime and rate of linear expansion can express the improvement in volume stability of different treated methods. Steam treatment process cannot ultimately prevent specimens from cracking and decrease of strength, but mortar made from autoclave treated slag keeps integration subjected to hot water of 80℃ until 28 d and its strength do not show significant decrement. The hydration of over-burn free lime and periclase phase are the main cause for the disintegration or crack of untreated and steam treated steel slag＇s specimens. Autoclave treatment process is more effective than steam treatment process on enhancement of volume stability of steel slag.

Properties of Steel Slag and Stainless Steel Slag as Cement Replacement Materials:A Comparative Study

To enhance the understanding about the utilization of steel slags as a cementitious material, we comparatively studied the chemical, mineralogical and morphological properties of two types of steel slag; basicoxygen-furnace carbon slag(BOF C) and electric-arc-furnace stainless steel slag(EAF S). Moreover, we studied the standard consistency, setting time and the effect of the slag replacement ratios on the fluidity and compressive strength of blended cement mortar. The experimental results showed that BOF C had higher alkalinity, higher pH value and more hydraulic phases than EAF S. Both types of slag showed water reduction effect due to its high fineness. Neat BOF C paste showed flash set and acceleration in the initial setting time of blended cement especially at high slag proportions. However, EAF S prolonged the setting time of blended cement even at low slag proportions. The pH values for blended cement contained 50% BOF C or EAF S were lower than those of pure cement paste. Despite of slag type, compressive strength gradually decreased with increasing slags content. The strength of BOF C mortar was higher than that of EAF S mortar with the same replacement ratio for the same age. Slag activity index demonstrated that BOF C and EAF S conformed to the Chinese National Standard(GB/T 20491-2006) requirements for steel slag as grade one and grade two, respectively.

Effect of Fine Steel Slag Powder on the Early Hydration Process of Portland Cement

Hydration heat evolution, non-evaporative water, setting time and SEM tests were peorormed to investigate the effect of fine steel slag powder on the hydration process of Portland cement and its mechanism. The results show that the effect of fine steel slag powder on the hydration process of Portland cement is closely related to its chemical composition, mineral phases, fineness, etc. Fine steel slag powder retards the hydration of portland cement at early age. The major reason for this phenomenon is the relative high content of MgO , MnO2, P2O5 in steel slag, and MgO solid solved in C3 S contained in steel slag.

PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL USING STEEL SLAG

Steel slag is a byproduct produced in large amounts in the steel-making process. It is an important resource that can be effectively utilized. An experiment was described in which steel slag was tested as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphorus from waste water. Phosphorus removal depended on the amount of steel slag added, the pH value, the contact time, and the initial concentration. Under laboratory conditions when the added slag was 7.5g/L, the contact time 2h, and the pH value was equivalent to 6.5, over 99% of the phosphorus was removed; the experimental data on steel slag adsorption of phosphorus in the water fitted the Freundlich isotherm model. Steel slag was found to be very effective in adsorbing phosphorus.

Study on non-metallic inclusions in Al killed high strength alloy steel refined by high basicity and high Al_2O_3 content slag

Laboratory and industrial studies were carried out to investigate non-metallic inclusions in high strength alloy steel refined by high basicity and high Al_2O_3 slag.It was found that the steel/slag reaction time largely affected non-metallic inclusions.With the reaction time increased from 30 min to 90 min in laboratory study,MgO-Al_2O_3 spinels were gradually changed into CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions surrounded by softer CaO-Al_2O_3 surface layers.By using high basicity slag which contained as much as 41%Al_2O_3 in the laboratory study,ratio of low melting temperature CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions was remarkably increased to above 80%.In the industrial experiment,during the secondary refining,the inclusions changed in order of 'Al_2O_3→MgO-Al_2O_3→CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3'.Through the LF and RH refining,most inclusions could be transferred to lower melting temperature CaO-Al_2O_3 and CaO-MgO-Al_2O_3 system inclusions.

Evaluation of the Electroslag Remelting Process in Medical Grade of 316LC Stainless Steel

This study is focused on the effects of electroslag remelting by prefused slag （CaO, Al2O3, and CaF2） on macrostructure and reduction of inclusions in the medical grade of 316LC （316LVM） stainless steel. Analysis of the obtained results indicated that for production of a uniform ingot structure during electroslag remelting, shape and depth of the molten pool should be carefully controlled. High melting rates led to deeper pool depth and interior radial solidification characteristics, while decrease in the melting rates caused more reduction of nonmetallic inclusions. Large shrinkage cavities formed during the conventional casting process in the primary ingots were found to be the cause of the fluctuation in the melting rate, pool depth and extension of equiaxed crystals zone.

Steel Slag as an Iron Fertilizer for Corn Growth and Soil Improvement in a Pot Experiment

The feasibility of steel slag used as an iron fertilizer was studied in a pot experiment with corn. Slag alone or acidified slag was added to two Fe-deficient calcareous soils at different rates. Results showed that moderate rates (10 and 20 g kg-1) of slag or acidified slag substantially increased corn dry matter yield and Fe uptake. Application of steel slag increased the residual concentration of ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) extractable Fe in the soils. The increase of extractable Fe was usually proportional to the application rate, and enhanced by the acidification of slag. Steel slag appeared to be a promising and inexpensive source of Fe to alleviate crop Fe chlorosis in Fe-deficient calcareous soils.

Mechanisms of phosphate removal from aqueous solution by blast furnace slag and steel furnace slag

We report the adsorption of phosphate and discuss the mechanisms of phosphate removal from aqueous solution by burst furnace slag (BFS) and steel furnace slag (SFS). The results show that the adsorption of phosphate on the slag was rapid and the majority of adsorption was completed in 5~10 min. The adsorption capacity of phosphate by the slag was reduced dramatically by acid treatment. The relative contribution of adsorption to the total removal of phosphate was 26%~28%. Phosphate adsorption on BFS and SFS follows the Freundlich isotherm, with the related constants of k 6.372 and 1/n 1.739 for BFS, and of k 1.705 and 1/n 1.718 for SFS. The pH and Ca2+ concentration were decreased with the addition of phosphate, suggesting the formation of calcium phosphate precipitation. At pH 2.93 and 6.93, phosphate was desorbed by about 36%~43% and 9%~11%, respectively. These results indicate that the P adsorption on the slag is not completely reversible and that the bond between the slag particles and adsorbed phosphate is strong. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of BFS and SFS before and after phosphate adsorption verify the formation of phosphate salts (CaHPO4·2H2O) after adsorption process. We conclude that the removal of phosphate by BFS and SFS is related to the formation of phosphate calcium precipitation and the adsorption on hydroxylated oxides. The results show that BFS and SFS removed phosphate nearly 100%, indicating they are promising adsorbents for the phosphate removal in wastewater treatment and pollution control.

Experimental Research on Refining Slag Systems Containing BaO for Ultra-Low Sulphur Steel

The experimental research on refining slag systems for ultra-low sulphur steel was carried out in a 10 kg induction furnace.It was proved that sulphur element in molten steel can be removed to less than 5×10^(-6) by adding CaO-Al_2O_3-SiO_2-MgO-CaF_2 slag on the surface of molten steel and feeding CaO-BaO-CaF2 wire into molten steel.And L_s,which is the coefficient of sulphur between slag and molten steel,that is ω(s)/ω[s],increases by increasing I(I = ωBaO/ωCaO).When I=5/3,L_s can be up to its maximum of 633.The CaSi is effective for deep desulphurization,especially when it is added to the slag of wire feeding.

Preparation of Reactive Powder Concrete Using Fly Ash and Steel Slag Powder

To decrease the cement and SF content of RPC by using ultra-fine fly ash （UFFA） and steel slag powder （SS）, the effect of these mineral admixtures on compressive strength of RPC were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the utilization of UFFA and SS in RPC is feasible and has prominent mechanical performance. The microstructure analysis （SEM and TG-DTG-DSC） demonstrated that the excellent mechanical properties of RPC containing SS and UFFA were mainly attributed to the sequential hydration filling effect of the compound system.