Valorization of slag as a steel co-product for an environmentally sustainable production and consumption model

Abstract

The current trend in the steel sector is to revalue waste, its main by-product, slag, has high potential for reuse in the construction, road infrastructure and agriculture sectors. This project evaluated the technical environmental performance of SIDOR's electric furnace slags according to their potential applications. The variables that influence the quality of the slag were established, taking into account (a) generation process that determines the environmental behavior (leaching) and volumetric stability; (b) thermal treatment that influences the mineralogical and physical-mechanical composition; and (c) processing that determines the granulometry. It was determined that SIDOR slag is a very clean material with few fines, rough surface texture, good adherence, highly resistant to wear, similar to conventional aggregates. The evaluated leaching parameters were adjusted to the permissible limits for the already regulated uses. The samples studied present different states of volumetric expansion, have high MgO content, and the PCC shows neutralizing capabilities of acid soils. Significant advantages were identified when used in asphalt mixtures and granular bases, in different branches of construction, as well as fertilizer. The adequate control of the quality variables maximizes its utility and redeeming, its use avoids the creation of material borrowing areas and the consequent affectation of natural spaces.