Development of Mineral Wool from Industrial Wastes. Phase I

摘要

The feasibility of using unprocessed industrial wastes to produce mineral wool was investigated by literature and patent searches and by experimental production of mineral wool. Slag ash from coal burning utilities and cement kiln waste from cement companies were combined in batch formulations having acid to alkali ratios of 0.8 to 1.2, then melted, fiberized, and analyzed for physical, thermal, chemical, and optical properties. Cement kiln waste added to the slag ash in controlled quantities served as a fluxing agent, and lowered the melting point of the slag ash from 2800 degrees F to 2500 degrees F. The softening point of the fibers was between 1250 degrees F and 1480 degrees F. The surface of the fibers was smooth at a magnification of 800x, and X-ray analysis showed no crystallization. The glasses were chemically stable, and possessed the rheological properties necessary to produce mineral wool. Potential applications include using the mineral wool for insulation. Immersion in cement slurry for 24 hours did not affect the fibers, indicating that they might also be used as alkali resistant components for fiber-reinforced concrete.