Journal
MINERALS
Volume 11, Issue 8, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/min11080832
Keywords
EAF slag reuse; epoxy matrix; NBR matrix; end of life rubber tire; PP matrix; tensile test; flexural test; compression test; hardness test; leaching test
Funding
- Lombardy Region
- ENEA
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The study assessed the innovative reuse of EAF slag as filler in different polymer matrixes, showing that the slag can increase the composites' hardness and elastic modulus at the expense of toughness. Compliance with legislation is necessary for safe reuse of the slag, which has shown good technical feasibility and potential for industrial symbiosis.
The European steel industry produces about 70 million tons/year of steel by the electric arc furnace (EAF). The slag consists of about 15% by weight of the produced steel, thus from the perspective of the circular economy, it has a high potential as a co-product. This research aims to assess an innovative reuse of EAF slag as filler in different polymer matrixes: thermoplastic (polypropylene), thermosetting (epoxy resin), elastomeric (nitrile butadiene rubber), and recycled end of life rubber tire. A comparison between neat polymer and polymer filled with a certain amount of EAF slag has been carried out by tensile (or flexural), compression, and hardness tests. Experimental results show that slag as a filler increases the composites' hardness and elastic modulus at the expense of toughness. For a safe reuse of the slag, the leaching of hazardous elements must comply with current legislation. It was found that, although the used EAF slag releases small amounts of Cr, Mo, and V, incorporating it into a polymer matrix reduces the leaching. The EAF slag particles distribution has been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The obtained results show good technical feasibility of this innovative slag application so that it could pave the way to a new industrial symbiosis between dissimilar sectors, bringing economic and environmental benefits.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available