Analysis and Characterization of Nickel Industry By-Products as Pozzolan Materials

Abstract

The expanding global appetite for nickel has precipitated a surge in nickel production within the Indonesian archipelago. In the realm of nickel processing, not only does it engender the production of nickel ore, but it also yields by-products in the form of fly ash, bottom ash, sludge, and slag. The substantial quantity of this particular by-product presents considerable prospects for the advancement of materials engineering within the realm of the construction industry. The primary objective of this research endeavor is to carefully examine and delineate the residual substances derived from the nickel sector, employing rigorous structural mineral assessments. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative measurements, utilizing the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescent (XRF) tests. In this study, the classification of pozzolanic materials is based on ASTM standard C618-91. Based on the findings derived from the analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, it is evident that the various by-products of nickel possess inherent pozzolanic properties. These pozzolans hold the potential to serve as viable alternatives to conventional binding agents in the realm of construction materials. The findings derived from the measurement and subsequent analysis of the crystal phase of the material indicate that sample N1, which comprises nickel slag, exhibits the presence of type C pozzolan. Similarly, samples N2 and N3, composed of fly ash and bottom ash respectively, can be categorized as type F pozzolan. On the other hand, sample N4, consisting of mud, falls under the classification of type N pozzolan. Based on the present categorization, it is conceivable to modify the utilization of nickel waste in order to facilitate its integration within the realm of construction material innovation.