Physicochemical Properties of Air-Quenched Electric Arc Furnace Slag as Free-State Sandblasting Abrasives and Application Potential Analysis

Air-quenched electric arc furnace slag (AEAFS) is a black sphere or spheroid particle prepared by an air quenching theology using electric arc furnace steelmaking slag as raw materials, possessing the characteristics of small particle size, moderate density and high hardness Combined with the tight supply and demand of the existing abrasive market and the continuous increase in price, AEAFS is tried to be used as a free abrasive for sandblasting processing according to its physical characteristics. In order to make sure that the AEAFS meets the requirement of free abrasive blasting, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of its physical and chemical properties. The research shows that the AEAFS is a spherical particle with weak magnetism and particle size being mainly 2.8 mm (accounting for more than 90%). Its Vickers hardness is in the range of 600–1000 HV; its compressive strength is between 20 and 465 N and increases first and then decreases with particle size. The water content is more than 0.019%, except that the particle size is less than 0.5 mm. All the others meet the requirements of ISO-11126-6: 2018 standard. The content of f-CaO is between 1.122% and 1.612% increasing with the particle size, AEAFS has good chemical stability and weak acid resistance. In summary, AEAFS meets the performance requirements of the medium used in the sandblasting process and is a potential alternative product for sandblasting abrasives.

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