Powder X-ray Diffraction Analysis of Lime-Phase Solid Solution in Converter Slag

X-ray diffraction analysis of a converter slag was performed by focusing on the lime-phase solid solution. Solid solutions of Ca1-xFexO and Ca1-xMnxO (0 < x < 1) were prepared by mechanochemical processing or high-temperature solid-state reaction, and the relationships between solid solubility x and lattice parameters were determined. Crystallized lime could be distinguished from undissolved lime by the shift of the diffraction angle associated with the formation of the solid solution. The effect of slag aging treatment with water vapor was examined by comparing the solid solubility x and the amount of lime phase in the aged and non-aged slags. It was confirmed that x affects the hydration behavior of the lime phase and that crystallized lime with high x tends to remain unchanged even after aging. Moreover, about two-thirds of the lime phase was confirmed to have been converted by hydration as a result of the aging process.