Assessment of ferrous slag with relevance to physico-chemical properties

Abstract

Blast furnace slag is generated as a by-product in the production of iron. Large quantities of slag are visible in the industrial premises that can have adverse effects on the environment. To mitigate such problems, proper environmental management of slag is of great concern. In this regard, a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of ferrous slags such as crystallinity, surface morphology, and elemental composition were done using X-Ray Diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer), respectively. It is also characterized to determine heavy metals and functional groups using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy techniques for various geo-environmental applications. The nonplastic slag material showed 85–92% sand-size particles and 8–15% silt-size particles. The SiO<inf>2</inf> and CaO values were found to be high followed by Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf>, MgO, and other compounds. Since slag performed similarly to sand, it could be used as an alternative source of sand. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.