X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy Research Articles

Electrospinning of glass nanofibers to roughen a waterborne polyurethane coating toward smart applications

Polyurethane (PU) coating bulk was reinforced with electrospun glass nanofibers (GNF) and nanoparticles of lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate (NLSA) to produce mechanically reliable long-lasting photoluminescent and photochromic smart products. Transparent smart coatings of GNF@PU were prepared by the physical integration of lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles. The transparent appearance of GNF@PU was found to shift to green when exposed to ultraviolet light as proved by spectral examinations using photoluminescence and CIE Lab parameters. Fluorescence emission with instantaneous reversibility was monitored for GNF@PU hybrids with trace amounts of NLSA. Afterglow photoluminescence with slow reversibility was observed at higher phosphor concentrations in the GNF@PU hybrids. The coating hybrids revealed an emission band at 517 nm when excited at 365 nm. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of the morphological properties of NLSA and GNF showed diameters of 8–12 nm and 75–250 nm, respectively. After being fabricated by electrospinning technique, GNF were incorporated into polyurethane coatings as a roughening agent. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to investigate the morphological features of GNF and smart coatings of GNF@PU. Scratch resistance of smart coatings was found to be higher than that of NLSA-free polyurethane control sample. Both of hydrophobicity and UV resistance improved with an increase in NLSA content.

Manufacturing technique analysis of Early Harappan painted pottery from the Jhang Bahatar Site, Pakistan, by using a multi-analytical approach

Only a limited number of scientific or technological studies regarding Harappan pottery have been conducted so far. To address the knowledge gap, this study investigates the raw materials and manufacturing techniques evidenced in the painted pottery sherds excavated from the Jhang Bahatar site, Pakistan of the late period of early Harappan culture (also identified as the Kot Diji period 2800-2600BC). This study employs a variety of integrated analytical methods including production process observation, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The investigation revealed that the raw materials in the pastes used to manufacture these painted potteries are common fusible clay characterized by minimal levels of silicon oxide and alumina and elevated levels of flux oxide. The pottery was decorated with an initial basecoat of ochre consisting of hematite (Fe2O3), mixed with pottery paste clay, while the main mineral material of black pigment was magnetite (Fe3O4) and the white pigment was created using dolomite (CaMg (CO3)2).

Sample Preparation for X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy of Iron Distribution in Biological Specimen.

Characterizing the two- and three-dimensional distribution of trace metals in biological specimens is key to better understand their role in biological processes. Iron (Fe) is of particular interest in these trace metals due to its widespread role in maintaining cellular health and preventing disease. X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) is emerging as the method of choice for investigators to interrogate the cellular and subcellular distribution of Fe. XFM utilizes the intrinsic X-ray fluorescence properties of each element to produce quantitative 2D and 3D distributions of trace metals within a sample. Herein, methods for sample preparation of cells and tissue for the determination of Fe distribution by XFM are described.

Produção sustentável de argamassa com substituição parcial do agregado miúdo por embalagens cartonadas trituradas

ABSTRACT Post-consumer carton packaging has the potential to be utilized as raw material in the manufacturing of new products. This research analyzed the performance of partially replacing fine aggregate with Powdered Carton Packaging Waste (PCPW) in mortar development through of collection, preparation, and milling of carton packaging, as well as the characterization of raw materials. Reference and experimental compositions were defined, followed by the execution of technological tests and analysis of the results. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the by-product, PCPW, through chemical analysis. A reference ratio of 1:6 between the volume of cement and fine aggregate was adopted, while Experimental Compositions were determined with substitutions of 5%, 10%, and 15% of the aggregate volume with PCPW. These compositions were molded and tested using five cylindrical specimens per composition. The produced material exhibited consistency within normative parameters. The strengths of the three compositions with replacement fell within the range of 7.57 MPa, 6.52 MPa, and 6.07 MPa, respectively. Water Absorption by Immersion showed satisfactory results. SEM analysis of the fractured surfaces revealed the presence of empty spaces and microfissures in the samples with the highest percentages of PCPW.

Impact of treatment temperature of metakaolin on strength and sulfate resistance of concrete

Calcined clay, a widely studied supplementary cementitious material, has shown positive impacts on concrete's microstructural properties, strength development, and durability. The variation in raw clay mineral concentration across different locations influences the optimal calcination temperature needed to activate its pozzolanic reactivity. This investigation focuses on studying the effects of calcination temperature on the characterization and pozzolanic reactivity of Nigerian Kaolinite clay. The clay was calcined at temperatures ranging from 600˚C to 900˚C for 2 hours. Characterization involved X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. Blended mixtures, incorporating 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% metakaolin as cement replacement, were assessed for workability, strength, and durability properties at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days to determine the clay's pozzolanic reactivity. XRF categorized the metakaolin as a class N pozzolan, while XRD indicated that 800˚C for 2 hours was necessary for complete dihydroxylation. Compressive, tensile, and sulfate resistance tests confirmed that treating the clay at 800˚C for 2 hours optimized its performance. The mix with 10% metakaolin outperformed the control by 6.4%, 14.7%, and 14.1% in compressive strength at 14th, 28th, and 56th days, respectively. While the best performance was at 10% replacement, levels up to 30% also demonstrated satisfactory results compared to the control, showing potential for achieving desired strengths. Linear regression models were also developed to establish the relationship between compressive and split tensile strengths across curing periods. The resulting equations demonstrate excellent predictive performance with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.928 to 0.991.

Neutral rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with sulfur-donor ligands: anti-proliferative activity and cellular localization.

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes are widely studied for their cell imaging properties and anti-cancer and anti-microbial activities, but the complexes with S-donor ligands remain relatively unexplored. A series of six fac-[Re(NN)(CO)3(SR)] complexes, where (NN) is 2,2'-bipyridyl (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and RSH is a series of thiocarboxylic acid methyl esters, have been synthesized and characterized. Cellular uptake and anti-proliferative activities of these complexes in human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were generally lower than those of the previously described fac-[Re(NN)(CO)3(OH2)]+ complexes; however, one of the complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(SC(Ph)CH2C(O)OMe)] (3b), was active (IC50 ∼ 10 μM at 72 h treatment) in thiol-depleted MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, unlike fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(OH2)]+, this complex did not lose activity in the presence of extracellular glutathione. Taken together these properties show promise for further development of 3b and its analogues as potential anti-cancer drugs for co-treatment with thiol-depleting agents. Conversely, the stable and non-toxic complex, fac-[Re(bipy)(CO)3(SC(Me)C(O)OMe)] (1a), predominantly localized in the lysosomes of MDA-MB-231 cells, as shown by live cell confocal microscopy (λex = 405 nm, λem = 470-570 nm). It is strongly localized in a subset of lysosomes (25 μM Re, 4 h treatment), as shown by co-localization with a Lysotracker dye. Longer treatment times with 1a (25 μM Re for 48 h) resulted in partial migration of the probe into the mitochondria, as shown by co-localization with a Mitotracker dye. These properties make complex 1a an attractive target for further development as an organelle probe for multimodal imaging, including phosphorescence, carbonyl tag for vibrational spectroscopy, and Re tag for X-ray fluorescence microscopy.

Correlative multimodal optical and X-ray fluorescence imaging of brominated fluorophores.

Imaging with multiple modalities can maximise the information gained from the analysis of a single sample. probes for optical fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence microscopy based on brominated 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide and BODIPY scaffolds have been successfully designed and synthesised. Herein we show that these prototype probes, based on each of these scaffolds, can be imaged in two different cancer cell lines, and that the respective optical fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence signals are well correlated in these images.

Effects of fullerene C60 on the uptake of nitrogen and mineral elements in crops using the synchrotron radiation microscopic X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-μXRF) and stable isotope labeling

The unique characteristics of fullerene (C60) have attracted great attention in the agricultural field. However, it remains unclear about its potential effects of nitrogen sources and the uptake of various...

Mapping Phosphorus Availability in Soil at a Large Scale and High Resolution Using Novel Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Designed for X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy.

A novel binding layer (BL) as part of the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique was developed for the two-dimensional visualization and quantification of labile phosphorus (P) in soils. This BL was designed for P detection by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). It differs from the conventional DGT BL as the hydrogel is eliminated to overcome the issue that the fluorescent X-rays of P are detected mainly from shallow sample depths. Instead, the novel design is based on a polyimide film (Kapton) onto which finely powdered titanium dioxide-based P binding agent (Metsorb) was applied, resulting in superficial P binding only. The BL was successfully used for quantitative visualization of P diffusion from three conventional P fertilizers applied to two soils. On a selection of samples, XFM analysis was confirmed by quantitative laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The XFM method detected significant differences in labile P concentrations and P diffusion zone radii with the P fertilizer incubation, which were explained by soil and fertilizer properties. This development paves the way for fast XFM analysis of P on large DGT BLs to investigate in situ diffusion of labile P from fertilizers and to visualize large-scale P cycling processes at high spatial resolution.

Micro-scale structural and chemical characterisation of deformed rocks with simultaneous in-situ synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and backscatter diffraction mapping

In-situ measurements of structural and chemical information on deformed rocks are required to understand microphysical deformation mechanisms, the relative timing of tectono-metamorphic events, and the interplay between deformation, fluid flow, and mineral reactions. Scanning-electron microscopy is commonly used for this purpose, because it can provide compositional information (via energy- or wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered electron imaging) and crystallographic orientation data (via electron backscatter diffraction) for large fractions of thin sections down to nanometre resolution. However, elemental and crystal-structural data are usually acquired independently, introducing the need for registration of maps with different information and increasing instrument time. In addition, measuring element concentrations to levels below 1000 ppm increases acquisition times significantly, rendering the mapping of centimetre-scale areas with micrometre-resolution or below time-costly. Here, we introduce an alternative method using coeval synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and X-ray backscatter diffraction mapping (XBDM) for the rapid acquisition of structural and compositional information down to the ppb level on whole rock sections with a spatial resolution down to ∼1 μm per pixel. We illustrate the principles of XFM/XBDM mapping on a sample of granitic mylonite. As example for the scientific potential of the new method, it is shown that the Ti distribution in quartz and feldspar can be accurately correlated with physical structure. A discussion of the limitations and opportunities of XFM/XBDM mapping for studying deformed rocks concludes this article.

Functionalization of Phosphate and Tellurite Glasses and Spherical Whispering Gallery Mode Microresonators.

Active whispering gallery mode resonators made as spherical microspheres doped with quantum dots or rare earth ions achieve high quality factors and are excellent candidates for biosensors capable of detecting biomolecules at low concentrations. However, to produce quantum dot-doped microspheres, new low melting temperature glasses are sought, which require surface functionalization and antibody immobilization for biosensor development. Here, we demonstrate the successful functionalization of three low melting point glasses and microspheres made of them. The glasses were made from sodium borophosphate, sodium aluminophosphate, and tellurite, and then, they were functionalized using (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane in ethanol- and toluene-based protocols. Proper silanization was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy of an amino-modified luminescent oligonucleotide probe. Fluorescence imaging showed successful silanization for all tested samples and no degradation for aluminophosphate and tellurite glasses. The strongest signal was registered for tellurite glass samples functionalized using the toluene-based silanization protocol. This conclusion implies that this functionalization method is the most efficient and is highly recommended for future antibody immobilization and biosensing application.

Histatin-5 interacts with cellular copper to promote antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Histatin-5 (Hist-5) is an antimicrobial peptide found in human saliva that functions to defend the oral cavity from microbial infections, such as those caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans (C. albicans). Hist-5 can bind Cu in multiple oxidation states, Cu2+ and Cu+in vitro, and supplemental Cu2+ has been shown to improve the fungicidal activity of the peptide against C. albicans in culture. However, the exact role of Cu on the antifungal activity of Hist-5 and whether direct peptide-Cu interactions occur intracellularly has yet to be fully determined. Here, we used a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal microscopy experiments to show reversible Cu-dependent quenching of a fluorescent Hist-5 analogue, Hist-5*, indicating a direct interaction between Hist-5 and intracellular Cu. X-ray fluorescence microscopy images revealed peptide-induced changes to cellular Cu distribution and cell-associated Cu content. These data support a model in which Hist-5 can facilitate the hyperaccumulation of Cu in C. albicans and directly interact with Cu intracellularly to increase the fungicidal activity of Hist-5.

Composition of Various Percentages of Terracotta Clay as Colourant Glaze

Terracotta is valuable for its mineral content, which produces pigments for coloring ceramic bodies and glazes. Unlike commercial colors, terracotta's natural minerals make it unique. This study explores the potential use of local terracotta clay in transparent glaze formulations. Methods like clay powder percentages, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence tests, electron scanning, and microscope analysis (SEM) are used to examine the clay elements' morphology and structure. The addition of terracotta clay powder in proportions (20-50%) rendered the glaze translucent. Samples were applied on porcelain and fired at gloss temperatures (1200°C). The result colors were glossy, smooth, and creamy, with no defects. Keywords: Terracotta, colorant, glaze, percentage

Contrasting morphology and growth habits of Frutexites in Late Devonian reef complexes of the Canning Basin, northwestern Australia.

Frutexites-like microstructures are described from the exhumed Late Devonian reef complexes of the northern Canning Basin, Western Australia. Several high-resolution imaging techniques, including X-ray microcomputerised tomography, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence microscopy, were used to investigate morphology and composition in two samples. Three types of Frutexites-like microstructures (Types I-III) have been identified. Type I, found lining an early marine cement-filled cavity in fore-reef grainstone facies, consists of dendritic structures formed primarily of coccoid bacteria with filamentous bacteria embedded in sheets of amorphous extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These ferromanganiferous dendrites have laminated to spheroidal textures. Types II and III are from a toe-of-slope hardground. Type II grew in a crypt between two corals, is also dendritic and composed of bacilliform and filamentous bacteria embedded in an amorphous EPS sheet. The opaqueness of these ferriferous dendrites precludes more detailed description of textures. Type III grew as branching columnar microstromatolites and is composed of entwined filaments of Girvanella, Rothpletzella and Wetheredella with Fe-enriched outer walls that generate Frutexites-like microstructures. Types I and II resemble Frutexites sensu stricto as defined by Maslov (Stromatolites, Trudy Instituta geologicheskikh nauk Akademiya nauk SSR, 1960) and are the result of the consecutive growth and permineralisation of biofilms composed of mixed bacterial communities growing in cryptic habitats. Type III superficially resembles Frutexites sensu stricto based on macroscopic field observations, however, detailed microscopic analysis reveals that it is composed of Fe-enriched tubular walls surrounded by Mn-enriched calcite.

Uplifting of anticorrosive coatings performance via TiO2/ZnO core–shell pigment for oil and gas pipelines protection

The objective of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of anticorrosive coatings applied to steel pipelines utilized for the transportation of petroleum products. However, these pipelines are susceptible to corrosion, necessitating the implementation of an economically viable protection system. Therefore, this research endeavors to introduce a novel pigment consisting of titanium dioxide/zinc oxide (TiO2/ZnO) core–shell structure. The pigment is designed to be incorporated into polymeric coating formulations and subsequently subjected to standard testing methods, including immersion tests, adhesion assessments, and electrochemical measurements. The pigment was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was hired for observing the resistance and capacitance of the formulated coatings through immersion in corrosive medium (3.5% NaCl). The obtained results conveyed that the prepared core–shell pigment with its unique structure had strongly elevated the resistivity of the formulated coating, which enhanced its role in the protection of the pipeline wall from corrosion.

Dual peptide functionalization of Zn alloys to enhance endothelialization for cardiovascular applications

A new generation of fully bioresorbable metallic Zn-based alloys could be used for stenting applications; however, the initial surface degradation delays stent re-endothelialization. Thus, this work proposes a dual strategy to control the corrosion and accelerate the endothelialization of ZnMg and ZnAg biodegradable alloys. First, a stable polycaprolactone (PCL) coating is obtained and followed by its functionalization with either linear RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) or REDV (Arg-Glu-Asp-Val) peptides or a dual peptide-based platform combining both sequences (RGD-REDV). Scratching tests showed neither delamination nor detachment of the polymeric coating. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements confirmed the corrosion resistance after PCL coating by revealing lower current density and higher absolute impedance values. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescent microscopy confirmed the correct peptide immobilization onto PCL coated Zn alloys. The functionalized samples exhibited enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhesion. The higher number of adhered cells to the functionalized surfaces with the RGD-REDV platform demonstrates the synergistic effect of combining both RGD and REDV sequences. Higher corrosion resistance together with enhanced endothelialization indicates that the dual functionalization of Zn alloys with PCL and peptide-based RGD-REDV platform holds great potential to overcome the clinical limitations of current biodegradable metal stents.

Adsorption and safe immobilization of Sr ions in modified zeolite matrices

In the present study, an Iranian natural zeolite (Sabzevar region) was evaluated as a natural adsorbent for the elimination and immobilization of strontium ions from an aqueous solution. For improving the adsorption efficiency of strontium ion, the zeolite surface was modified by the Schiff base ligand of bis (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)1,2-diaminoethane (H2L). The natural zeolite and zeolite/H2L were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), BET and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Analysis of the natural zeolite showed that the zeolite is from the type of clinoptilolite and has a crystalline structure with the specific surface area 29.74 m2/g. The results showed that strontium adsorption onto modified zeolite increases compared to unmodified zeolite from 64.5% to 97.2% (at pH = 6). The effective parameters pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of strontium ions, contact time, temperature, and interfering ions, were studied and optimized. The maximum adsorption efficiency was confirmed by modified zeolite and found to be 97.5% after 60 min of equilibrium time at pH 6, 0.05g as adsorbent dosage, and at 25 °C. Adsorption of strontium was confirmed by Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 10.31 mg/g. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of strontium ions on the adsorbent follows pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. Also, the thermodynamics of the adsorption process indicated that the adsorption of strontium on zeolite/H2L is an endothermic and spontaneous process, and the adsorption mechanism is a combination of physical and chemical adsorption. Finally, to manage the secondary waste generated from the adsorption process, strontium ions were immobilized in a zeolite structure. The results showed that the stabilization is well done with the thermal preparation process. After thermal treatment at 25–900 °C, modified zeolite satisfactorily retains strontium during back-exchange tests with NaCl solution. According to the results, the amount of strontium released from the adsorbent phase decreases from 52.6 to 1.6% with increasing heat treatment temperature.

Durability and Mechanical Properties of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Based Geopolymer Concrete Containing Polyolefin Fibers and Nano Silica

In the current study, the improvement of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) based geopolymer concrete (GPC) applying 0 – 2% polyolefin fibers (POFs) and 0 – 8% nano-silica (NS) is investigated. After curing the specimens, they are subjected to compressive strength, tensile strength, elastic modulus, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), and impact resistance tests to evaluate their mechanical properties and durability. Moreover, the permeability of specimens is also assessed using water absorption. The compressive strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the concrete increase by up to 22%, 14%, and 24%, respectively. The addition of the POFs to the GPC significantly increases the tensile strength (by up to 9%) and the absorbed energy due to the impact. By adding NS to the GPC composition, the results of the permeability and water capillary absorption test were improved. These results are evaluated through microstructure analysis, along with ultrasonic, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests.

Archeological wood conservation with selected organosilicon compounds studied by XFM and nanoindentation

Waterlogged wood conservation is a complex and challenging task. Detailed knowledge about the interactions between the applied chemicals and wood is necessary to ensure the effective and safe conservation of wooden artifacts. The present research aims to determine the mechanism of dimensional stabilization of archeological wood by organosilicon compounds using the combination of synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and nanoindentation. Archeological oak wood was treated with methyltrimethoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, or 1,3-bis-[(diethylamino)-3-(propoxy)propan-2-ol]-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane, which in previous studies were found to be more effective than other organosilicons in stabilizing wood dimensions. The XFM and nanoindentation results showed that all three organosilicons infiltrated wood cell walls and enhanced their mechanical properties. The XFM also showed that part of the chemicals filled some void spaces like cell lumina. Based on the results obtained here and in our previous research, it is determined that the mechanism of archeological wood dimensional stabilization by organosilicon treatment is complex and likely involves both filling cell lumina and infiltration into cell walls where organosilicons interact with wood polymers.

Physical, mechanical, chemical, and environmental characterization of stockpiled BOF slag as railway ballast material

Crushed stone from natural sources is commonly used as ballast in railways. The material is a good ballast, but its extraction is destructive. Therefore, this study characterizes basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag as an alternative material for railway ballast in Kazakhstan with respect to physical, mechanical, chemical and environmental properties. The characterized BOF slags are of two types (top and bottom) with 10 years minimum age. Grain size distribution, specific gravity, absorption capacity, flakiness, lightweight particles, and 3D image analysis for forms and angularity were used for physical characterization. These BOF slags were found to have high specific gravity and a predominantly spherical shape, with larger particles displaying lower sphericity and greater angularity than smaller ones. The mechanical characterization of the BOF slag were carried out using various methods, including LA abrasion, Micro-Deval, aggregate crushing value, aggregate impact value, volumetric expansion, and fouling. BOF slag aggregates demonstrated exceptional strength with good resistance to fragmentation, crushing, surface abrasion, and sudden loading. The expansion rate is considerably lower than the standard limit, and the fouling rate is better than limestone and similar to granite. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were all used for chemical characterization. Both BOF slags contain CaO and Fe2O3 with a high peak of SiO2 and portlandite, which suggests that most of the free lime has undergone hydration due to the natural aging of the BOF slag. Regarding the environmental characterization, the tests employed were organic impurity, freeze and thaw, and sodium-based soundness. No organic impurity was observed in the BOF slag, and the BOF slag demonstrated good resistance to weathering and degradation. The characteristics of the investigated BOF slag obtained from laboratory testing were analyzed to confirm its performance for implementation in railway ballast in compliance with the specific requirements, primarily the GOST standard, which is commonly employed in Russia and former Soviet republics, including Kazakhstan. As a result, both BOF slags demonstrated total compliance with the specifications, and the possibility of using stockpiled BOF slag for railway ballast material in Kazakhstan was established.