Phases reconstruction and foaming modification of basic oxygen furnace slag on its grindability

Abstract

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is a main byproduct produced during the converter steel-making process. The poor grindability of BOF slag limits its added-value application. In this paper, the grinding characteristics of unmodified and reconstructed BOF slag were compared. Additionally, the grinding property of reconstructed steel slag was also studied after SiC foaming. The results show that the solid solution of divalent metal oxides’ RO phase, considered as the hardly grinding phase, discomposes after lime-bauxite reconstruction. The characteristics of BOF slag were tested through particle size analysis, XRD, SEM and MIP. The SSA (specific suface area) and the particle diameter of unmodified BOF slag could reach 303.1 m2/kg and 51.75 µm after 10 min of grinding, but that of reconstructed BOF slag could reach 354.5 m2/kg and 18.16 µm after the same grinding time, respectively. The grinding efficiency of steel slag was obviously increased and the particle characteristics were improved after foaming modification. BOF formed as a porous structure after SiC foaming; its porosity, SSA, and particle diameter can reach 31.79%, 424.4 m2/kg, and 24.36 µm and increased by 10.31%, 19.72%, and 39.04%, compared with the reconstructed steel slag of undoped foaming agent, respectively, and the grindability was further improved. A theoretical basis for large-scale BOF slag utilization is provided.