Steel Slag and Slag Cement
Steel slag is a by-product of the steel manufacturing process. It is a non-metallic material consisting of mineral oxides and silicates, combined with carbonates and sulfates. Manufacturers of steel products use the slag for a variety of purposes, including road construction, cement production, and soil conditioning.
Slag is also used in cement manufacture as a means of blending components and as an ingredient to produce a particular type of cement. It adds strength and workability, while improving the setting time and darkening the color of the cement. As a result, slag cement is a popular choice in the construction industry, particularly in concrete applications such as structural foundations, bridge decks, parking garages and sidewalks.
Slag cement is made using a combination of Portland cement, slag, and other additives. The slag used in this process comes primarily from the steel manufacturing process, but can also be found in fly ash, bottom ash, and other materials. The production of this material begins with the cooling of molten steel. This cooled steel is then crushed into small particles, which are separated from the other components of the slag. The particles are then ground into a fine powder, which is sent to a plant where it is mixed with Portland cement and additives to produce slag cement.
When added to concrete mix, slag cement increases the strength of the product and reduces permeability. This means that structures made with slag cement will be sturdier and more resistant to water damage. Additionally, slag cement produces a dense concrete that sets more quickly than conventional concrete and has a finer texture that allows for easier finishing.
Slag cement also has numerous environmental benefits. It helps to reduce the potential for alkali-silica reaction, which can cause cracking in concrete structures. In addition, the use of slag cement reduces the amount of raw materials needed to produce conventional Portland cement, thus cutting down on energy consumption. Slag cement also reduces the amounts of hazardous materials such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds that are released into the environment.
Overall, steel slag and slag cement offer many advantages to the construction and manufacturing industries. Not only do they provide a stronger, more durable material, but they also reduce environmental contamination. As the demand for cement and concrete increases, the need for slag and slag cement will become more important to meet the demands of the industry.
