Generation of Pyroxene-Based Porous Ceramics from Steel Refining Slag

In this paper, porous ceramics were prepared by controlling the composition and sintering temperature of raw materials based on slag from steel refining operations without need for a pore-forming agent. Solid-state processing included phase transformation low-density (2.10–2.90 g/cm3) to high-density pyroxene-based (3.22–3.88 g/cm3). Phase transformations densification investigated means mercury intrusion, XRF, SEM EDS. Results showed that ceramic with optimum properties produced material containing 35 wt.% slag, exhibited high water absorption capacity 31.62%, flexural strength 18.26 MPa, porosity 44.5% an average pore diameter 1.27 µm. Raw fineness or content near pyroxene promoted formation accordingly more volumetric shrinkage which enhanced both bending ceramics.