BASIC OXYGEN FURNACE SLAG (BOF SLAG):CHARACTERIZATION AND EVOLUTIVITY

Abstract

Basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF slag) are by-products of theconversion of pig iron to steel. According to the high quantitiesproduced, they are a valuable mineral resource for theconstruction, in form of aggregates or additions in certainhydraulic binders. However, they have chemical properties thatdirectly control their stability or any hydraulic potential (freelime, etc...). A good knowledge of physico-chemical properties ofBOF slag is a necessary preliminary step to their valorization.This work proposes a comprehensive methodology for thecharacterization of steel slag by complementary analyticaltechniques (XRF, XRD, TGA ...). Its application to a variety ofBOF slag shows that they essentially contain C2S, C2F, Ca(OH)2,Fe1-xO, CaO. CaCO3, SiO2and MgO are also detected in fewquantities. But this composition may change by hydration andcarbonation, these two reactions are related to storagetemperature and humidity.