Effect of ZnO on the crystallization behavior and properties of SiO2-CaO-Al2O3-Fe2O3 glass-ceramics prepared from simulated secondary slag after reduction of copper slag

The feasibility of preparing low-cost glass-ceramics from Zn-containing dust and secondary molten slag generated during the carbothermal reduction of copper slag was investigated. Analytical-grade agents, such as ZnO, Fe2O3, SiO2, CaO, and Al2O3, were used to simulate the dust and secondary slag. The effect of ZnO content on the crystallization behavior, structure, and mechanical properties of the glass-ceramics was investigated through Xray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that with increased ZnO content from 0 to 6 wt%, the crystallization activation energy of base glass increased from 386.05 to 425.89 kJ/mol. Meanwhile, the average value of the crystal growth index increased from 1.91 to 4.10, and the highest crystallization rate of the glass-ceramics increased from about 1.44 to 23.11 mm(3)/min. The increased ZnO in glass-ceramics promoted the precipitation of gehlenite, but inhibit the crystallization of anorthite. When the ZnO content was 6 wt%, the comprehensive properties of the glass-ceramics were better; the flexural strength, microhardness, volume density, water absorption rate, and open porosity were 58.67 MPa, 738.35 HV, 2.92 g/cm(3), 0.44% and 1.27%, respectively.

Automated summary

The feasibility of preparing low-cost glass-ceramics from Zn-containing dust and secondary molten slag generated during the carbothermal reduction of copper slag was investigated. It was found that the ZnO content has a significant effect on the crystallization behavior and properties of the glass-ceramics.