Assessment and recycling options of induction furnace steel slag: a review

Disposal of Induction Furnace steel (IFS) slag in landfills is subjected to environmental pollution. Research on steel and IF slag production in induction furnaces, as well as the physical, mineralogical, chemical, and recycling of IF slag, is the main focus. The chemical composition of IF waste can differ depending on the scrap metal application and chemical phases present within the steel waste. The resulting non-metallic slag comprised elements such as Al2O3, MgO, SiO2, Fe2O3, CaO, and MnO, and a complex liquid phase consisting mainly of quartz, hematite, almandine, MnO2, etc. The recycling of IF slag as coarse aggregates in concrete, non-fired bricks, and antimicrobial applications is discussed. IF waste is utilized in its original form for concrete and non-fired bricks. However, the introduction of IF waste into structural ceramic tiles requires high-temperature sintering, alterations in mineral phases, and mechanical processes such as crushing and grinding. Additionally, careful studies are necessary to identify the ideal amount of IF waste for use in products such as tiles. In this study, IF steel slag is also considered for potential recycling into green structural vitreous ceramic tiles, which will be a major solution for waste management worldwide and in Bangladesh. Microstructural studies demonstrated that 0% IF slag incorporated ceramic tiles are vitreous at 1150 °C, but 30% IF slag incorporated ceramic tiles are vitreous at 1050 °C and are generally compacted with low porosity and subjected to energy saving because of the large amount of Mn, Fe, Si, and Al in IF steel slag.