Steel Slag Research Articles

Development, Performance, and Mechanism of Fluidized Solidified Soil Treated with Multi-Source Industrial Solid Waste Cementitious Materials

Insufficient utilization of industrial solid waste and the high carbon emissions caused by the use of cement in engineering construction are two challenges faced by China. This study aimed to develop a multi-source industrial solid waste cementitious material (MSWC) for fluidized solidified soil (FSS) in soil backfill projects. First, the response surface models for the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of MSWC-FSS were established, and the optimal mixing ratio of MSWC was determined. Subsequently, laboratory tests were conducted to compare the differences in flow expansion, UCS, and dry shrinkage between MSWC and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in FSS, and the feasibility of MSWC-FSS was verified through on-site tests. Finally, the curing mechanism of MSWC-FSS was analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results showed that MSWC had an optimal mix ratio: steel slag (SS): ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS): circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA): flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG): OPC = 20:40:15:5:20. MSWC-FSS had good flow expansion, and its UCS and drying shrinkage resistance were more than 10% better than OPC-FSS. The on-site test also proved the practicability and progressiveness of MSWC-FSS. According to the chemical composition and microstructure, MSWC-FSS generated more ettringite than OPC-FSS, making MSWC-FSS denser.

Study on the Influence of Clay Content on the Freeze–Thaw Characteristics and Mechanisms of Solidified Low-Liquid-Limit Clay

This study investigates the effects of clay content on the strength and microstructural mechanisms of artificially prepared low-liquid-limit clay solidified with SSGM binder, composed of salt sludge (SAS), steel slag (SS), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and light magnesium oxide (MgO), and the law of influence of viscous particles content on the strength of the solidified low-liquid-limit clay and its microscopic mechanism were investigated through a freeze–thaw cycle test and microscopic test. The results indicate that, under freeze–thaw cycles, both the mass and unconfined compressive strength of the solidified soil decrease with increasing cycle number. At the same number of cycles, samples with lower clay content exhibit smaller mass loss rates and unconfined compressive strength loss rates. Microstructural tests reveal that the hydration products of the binder, including C-S-H, C-A-S-H, C-A-H, and AFt, not only cement soil particles and fill internal pores but also interconnect to form a mesh-like structure, enhancing internal stability. However, as freeze–thaw cycles progress, the structure of the solidified soil deteriorates, with an increase in large pores and the formation of penetrating cracks and voids, leading to reduced strength. The SSGM binder demonstrates excellent freeze–thaw resistance for solidifying low-liquid-limit clay and improves the utilization rate of industrial waste, showing promising application potential in permafrost regions.

Leaching Vanadium-Rich Steel Slag Using Carbonated Water from a Domestic SodaStream

Leaching Vanadium-Rich Steel Slag Using Carbonated Water from a Domestic SodaStream

Catalytic Performance of Iron-Based Oxygen Carriers Mixed with Converter Steel Slags for Hydrogen Production in Chemical Looping Gasification of Brewers’ Spent Grains

Iron-based oxygen carriers (OCs) have received much attention due to their low costs, high mechanical strengths and high-temperature stabilities in the chemical looping gasification (CLG) of biomass, but their chemical reactivity is very ordinary. Converter steel slags (CSSs) are steelmaking wastes and rich in Fe2O3, CaO and MgO, which have good oxidative ability and good stability as well as catalytic effects on biomass gasification. Therefore, the composite OCs prepared by mechanically mixing CSSs with iron-based OCs are expected to be used to increase the hydrogen production in the CLG of biomass. In this study, the catalytic performance of CSS/Fe2O3 composite OCs prepared by mechanically mixing CSSs with iron-based OCs on the gasification of brewers’ spent grains (BSGs) were investigated in a tubular furnace experimental apparatus. The results showed that when the weight ratio of the CSSs in composite OCs was 0.5, the relative volume fraction of hydrogen reached the maximum value of 49.1%, the product gas yield was 0.85 Nm3/kg and the gasification efficiency was 64.05%. It could be found by X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscope characterizations that the addition of CSSs helped to form MgFe2O4, which are efficient catalysts for H2 production. Owing to the large and widely distributed surface pores of CSSs, mixing them with iron-based OCs was beneficial for catalytic steam reforming to produce hydrogen.

Research Progress and Hotspots of Steel Slag Application in Road Construction: A Bibliometric Perspective

The accumulation of steel slag has become a significant obstacle for the steel industry in achieving ultra-low emission targets. Given its composition is similar to that of road construction materials, steel slag holds substantial potential for application in sustainable road construction. This study investigated the current status and future trends of steel slag applications in road construction through a bibliometric analysis. The findings reveal that steel slag applications primarily focus on steel slag concrete, asphalt, steel slag aggregates, and steel slag processing technologies. The activation of its reactivity and stability emerged as a key research direction, with carbonated steel slag demonstrating exceptional performance in road construction. This study provides a scientific foundation for the high-value utilization of steel slag. It suggests optimizing its reactivity, stability, and carbonation, which will be crucial for expanding its use in road construction.

Experimental study on the kerf characteristic and cross-section quality of CFRP laminates cut by steel slag abrasive waterjet

Experimental study on the kerf characteristic and cross-section quality of CFRP laminates cut by steel slag abrasive waterjet

Development of OptiCon: A Mathematical Model with a Graphical User Interface for Designing Sustainable Portland Cement Concrete Mixes with Budget Constraint

The production of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) generates significant environmental impacts that increase climate change and decrease people’s quality of life. Recent studies highlight the potential to reduce these environmental burdens by partially replacing Portland cement with Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) and coarse aggregates with Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA). However, designing PCCs with simultaneous contents of SCMs and RCA is not easily manageable because current design procedures fail to adjust all of the variables involved. In order to overcome these limitations, this research introduces a novel mathematical model designed to develop operationally efficient PCC mixes that are both environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. The proposed model, denominated OptiCon, employs the Life-Cycle Assessment and Life-Cycle Costs Analysis methodologies to evaluate the incorporation of three different SCMs (i.e., fly ash, silica fume, and steel slag) and RCA into PCC mixes. OptiCon is also integrated within a graphical user interface in order to make its implementation straightforward for potential users. Thus, OptiCon is operationalized through an algorithm, offering a replicable approach that can be adapted to various contexts, providing both a theoretical framework and a practical tool for state agencies, engineers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to adopt more environmentally friendly practices in concrete production. Furthermore, a case study from northern Colombia analyzed thirty mix design scenarios with varying supplier conditions (foreign, local, or mixed), calculating costs and CO2 emissions for a fixed concrete volume of 1 m3. The findings demonstrated that utilizing OptiCon can achieve substantial reductions in both CO2 emissions and production costs, underscoring the model’s efficiency and practical impact.

Polyethyleneimine modified nanofibrillated cellulose aerogels loaded with steel slag for enhanced Cr(VI) removal under visible light: Performance and mechanism

Polyethyleneimine modified nanofibrillated cellulose aerogels loaded with steel slag for enhanced Cr(VI) removal under visible light: Performance and mechanism

Microbial-induced mineral carbonation: A promising approach for improving Carbon sequestration and performance of steel slag for its engineering utilization

Microbial-induced mineral carbonation: A promising approach for improving Carbon sequestration and performance of steel slag for its engineering utilization

Contribution of calcium-containing minerals on the mechanical properties of alkali-activated materials: A study of carbonation steel slag

Contribution of calcium-containing minerals on the mechanical properties of alkali-activated materials: A study of carbonation steel slag

Study on the inhibition of steel slag's volume expansion caused by plant urease and the properties of asphalt mixture

Study on the inhibition of steel slag's volume expansion caused by plant urease and the properties of asphalt mixture

The New Paradigm Caused by Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 on the Upcycling of Landfilled Ferrous Slags—Case Study: Iron and Steel Slag Dumps in Romania

Romania has some huge ferrous slag stockpiles that are secondary resources of minerals. Although a sizable portion of ferrous slags is recycled for use in building roads and other infrastructure, a sizable portion is still dumped. By November 2026, Member States must submit information on the quantity of critical raw materials (CRMs) in their secondary resources, as well as the quantification techniques employed, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. Therefore, the XRFS reliable measurements carried on ferrous slags were addressed to prevent dissipative loss of CRMs in cases where an improper slag recycling route is operated. The main novelty of this paper is the method of ensuring the reliability of the XRFS results based on weighted arithmetic mean and on the maximum likelihood approach. Secondly, the XRFS measurements carried on ferrous slags demonstrate that they contain CRMs like Ba, Sr, Y, etc.; however, below the minimum cut-off grade for CRMs, recovery XRFS cannot detect light CRMs. Our preliminary LIBS measurements on ferrous slags disclosed the presence of Li and Be. The drawbacks of the XRFS technique impose further research to develop an integrated XRFS, LIBS, and XRD procedure for comprehensive and trustworthy CRMs screening in extractive waste piles.

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate activated Al-rich steel slag: The role of layered double hydroxides and aluminum hydrate gel

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate activated Al-rich steel slag: The role of layered double hydroxides and aluminum hydrate gel

Influence of steel slag doping on the mechanical properties and microstructural characterization of coal gangue based geopolymer

Influence of steel slag doping on the mechanical properties and microstructural characterization of coal gangue based geopolymer

Utilization of carbonated steel slag as fine sand in OPC concrete and mortar

Utilization of carbonated steel slag as fine sand in OPC concrete and mortar

A novel sintering technique to control cement's water-soluble chromium (Ⅵ) release: Steel slag fusion adhering calcined gradient high-ferrite clinker

A novel sintering technique to control cement's water-soluble chromium (Ⅵ) release: Steel slag fusion adhering calcined gradient high-ferrite clinker

A novel pretreatment process for vanadium extraction: Purification and recovery of negative component calcium in vanadium-bearing steel slag

A novel pretreatment process for vanadium extraction: Purification and recovery of negative component calcium in vanadium-bearing steel slag

Recycling of carbonated steel slag in building materials: recycling pathways and recent advances

Recycling of carbonated steel slag in building materials: recycling pathways and recent advances

Effect of curing conditions and mineral admixtures on strength of alkali-activated steel slag

Effect of curing conditions and mineral admixtures on strength of alkali-activated steel slag

A Study on Effect of Addition of Steel Slag to Stone Matrix Asphalt (Grade-2) Using VG-30 Grade Bitumen

A Study on Effect of Addition of Steel Slag to Stone Matrix Asphalt (Grade-2) Using VG-30 Grade Bitumen