Mechanochemical Activation of Argon Oxygen Decarburization Slags for Improved Mineral Carbonation

Abstract

Inspired by the growing need for carbon mitigation strategies, this work investigates mechanochemical activation of argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) slag for CO2 sequestration. It explores three process modes: concurrent, sequential, and staged planetary ball milling and carbonation. Results showed carbonation uptake reached 70 % of the theoretical maximum with ball milling (0.39 g CO2/g AOD slag) versus 0.17 g CO2/g AOD slag without ball milling. The concurrent process resulted in the fastest rate and uptake. Particle agglomeration was confirmed via particle size analysis and electron microscopy, and non-reactive mineral phases were identified through quantitative X-ray diffraction, explaining incomplete carbonation conversion.