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The potential use of steel slag from treated steel slag in belite-sulfoaluminate cements was investigated in this study. Cement clinkers with two phase compositions were synthesized, allowing the incorporation of different amounts of steel slag. The phase composition and microstructure of cement clinkers at three different sintering temperatures were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and the Rietveld method, as well as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry. The results showed that the targeted phase composition of clinkers was achieved at a sintering temperature of 1250 °C. However, a higher amount of perovskite instead of ferrite was detected in the clinker with a higher content of Ti-bearing bauxite. Apart from the main phases, such as belite, calcium sulfoaluminate, and ferrite, several minor phases were identified, including mayenite, perovskite, periclase, and alkali sulfates. In both clinker mixtures, a higher content of MgO in the steel slags resulted in the formation of periclase. Furthermore, the hydration kinetics and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days were studied in two cements prepared from clinkers sintered at 1250 °C. As evidenced by the results of isothermal calorimetry, the hydration kinetics were also influenced by the minor clinker phases. Cement with a higher content of calcium sulfoaluminate phase developed a higher compressive strength.

TIn the present study the differences in the mineralogical composition and microstructure of various types of EAF stainless steel (EAF S) slag with regard to the cooling treatment, the operation practice in an EAF (electric arc furnace) and environmental ageing reactions were evaluated. It was shown that the mineralogy of the investigated EAF S slags varied from one slag to another, depending on the quality of the produced stainless steel. The production process of the treated steel also has a strong influence on the mineralogy of the slags. The conditions during water cooling treatment were not sufficient to prevent the crystallization of primary mineral phases, which occurs predominantly in air-cooled EAF S slags, probably due to the high basicity of the investigated slags. However, the water cooling treatment of hot slag leads to the absence of γ-CaSiO 4 and the formation of secondary mineral phases predominantly calcite, portlandite, ettringite, calcium aluminate hydrate and calcium silicate hydrate. It has been shown that during the environmental ageing test (down-flow column test) secondary mineral phases were formed, which were the same as those formed during the water cooling treatment.

Old metallurgical dumps across Europe represent a loss of valuable land and a potential threat to the environment, especially to groundwater (GW). The Javornik electric arc furnace (EAF) and ladle slag heap, situated in Slovenia, was investigated in this study. The environmental impact of the slag heap was evaluated by combining leaching characterization tests of landfill samples and geochemical modelling. It was shown that throughout the landfill the same minerals and sorptive phases control the leaching of elements of potential concern, despite variations in chemical composition. Although carbonation of the disposed steel slags occurred (molar ratio CO3/(Ca+Mg) = 0.53) relative to fresh slag, it had a limited effect on the leaching behaviour of elements of potential concern. The leaching from the slag heaps had also a limited effect on the quality of the GW. A site-specific case, however, was that leachates from the slag heap were strongly diluted, since a rapid flow of GW fed from the nearby Sava River was observed in the landfill area. The sampling and testing approach applied provides a basis for assessing the long-term impact of release and is a good starting point for evaluating future management options, including beneficial uses for this type of slag.