Author(s)

A. Andrews, E. Gikunoo, L. Ofosu-Mensah, H. Tofah, S. Bansah

Department of Geological Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.
Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.

The application of ferrous slags as aggregate, road bed materials, soil fertility conditioner and as clinker materials depend on their chemical and mineralogical characteristics. In order to assess the possibilities of using ferrous slags generated in Ghana, selected slag samples from some foundries have been characterized. A total of six bulk samples were collected from three different foundry shops to determine their chemical and mineralogical composition. The slag samples showed varied chemical and mineralogical characteristics. Differences are as a result of the differences in furnace charge, operation temperatures, grades of refractory furnace lining and melting additives. Calcium oxide (CaO) contents observed in all investigated samples were in combined form (i.e. not free CaO). The low amounts of calcium oxide in the slag samples limit their applications in the area of cement/aggregate production. Even though slags were found to be alkaline, for these slags to effectively neutralize the acidity of soil and improve its fertility, components such as CaO, SiO₂, MgO and FeO in the slag must be improved. However, these slags could be used as road bed materials.

Cupola slag; Induction furnace slag; Characterization; Recycling

A. Andrews, E. Gikunoo, L. Ofosu-Mensah, H. Tofah and S. Bansah, "Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Ghanaian Foundry Slags," Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, Vol. 11 No. 2, 2012, pp. 183-192. doi: 10.4236/jmmce.2012.112015.