Intelligent control of slag properties for a better environment

Purpose and goal

The project aimed to create a long-term use of slags from the metal industry with more advanced applications, increasing societal value. The following milestones were specified and fulfilled: 1) clarify how individual minerals/slags affect hydraulic properties, 2) clarify how activation affects minerals/slags, 3) clarify how individual minerals/slags contribute to water purification, 4) demonstrate treating contaminated water, 5) apply results in full scale for ensuring correct properties from the slags are employed and for other environmental engineering applications.

Expected results and effects

The project has facilitated the development of new applications where slag and combinations of slag with other materials can be used in areas where hydraulic properties are sought and also for water treatment. The project results will ultimately strengthen the Swedish metal industry by having new types of higher-value products. Parallel to the research activities conducted at LTU and KTH, a number of metal producers have successfully performed full-scale trials. The results are compiled in 7 different publications.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has two research groups (Luleå University of Technology and the Royal Institute of Technology) with well-defined but different skills working towards a common project goal to increase utilization of the important resource, slag, in more advanced applications than previous ones. Through the multidisciplinary approach, opportunities for synergies have been created, including broad process knowledge. Along with the active participation from the Swedish metal industry, the project has been executed flawlessly.