Microstructural and mechanical characterization of electric arc furnace (EAF) slag for use as abrasive grit material

摘要

Steel slag, a by-product of the steelmaking process, may turn into a useful material with many different applications if it is properly characterized. In the present study, samples of electric arc furnace slag received from a local steel producer have been analyzed in an attempt to solve the problem of waste disposal. The slag microstructure has been evaluated by light and electron microscopes and elemental compositions of the phases are determined by microanalysis. The quantities and hardness values of the phases present in the microstructure are measured by image analysis and micro-hardness tester, respectively. Particle size distribution, particle shape and bulk chemical composition are also determined and compared with an abrasive grit material used in shipyards for paint removal. Results show that present slag has a high potential to be used as blasting abrasive in place of the expensive grit material.