Chemical, Mechanical, and Durability of Composites Developed from Aluminum Slag

The research investigated the chemical, mechanical and durability of composites developed from aluminum slag. Aluminum slag is a hazardous residue product of secondary Aluminum smelting. The objective of this research was to study the chemical and geotechnical properties of Al slag. To investigate the stabilization of Al slag with fly ash and GBFS binder to enhance the pozzolanic reaction. Lastly, to study the properties of developed composites and recommend the application. Aluminum slag can be categorized as black or white, with the black dross (slag) having low metal concentration and a granular-like appearance comparable to sand. White dross (slag) has a high metal concentration and contains small quantities of oxides and salts, forming huge blocks. Aluminum slag is a by-product of the foundry industry that is deposited in landfills, causing pollution such as soil, air, and groundwater contamination, as well as affecting human health. Aluminum slag recycling has become more popular in recent years, and it can now be used to make concrete and bricks instead of cement. When compared to properties obtained from composites produced from cement, Aluminum slag improves several properties of the material in this study. Properties such as compressive strength, workability, and durability of the material are found to be improved. At 40% binder and cured at 80°C, the mortar sample made from Al slag, GBFS binder, and fly ash had the highest unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 24 MPa. The optimum number of days for curing was found to be 14 days.