OUTLINE

1. What is Steel Slag?

2. Recycling of Steel Slag
3. Properties of Steel Slag
4. Sustainable Development
5. Steel Slag Road Pavement
6. Conclusions
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1.

WHAT IS STEEL SLAG ?

Steel slag is a co-product from the steelmaking process.

There are two types of steel slag:
EAF slag (from mini mills; Singapore)
BOS slag (from integrated mills)
Steel slag is a ceramic material formed from the reaction
of flux such as calcium oxide with the inorganic nonmetallic components present in the steel scrap.
The chemical composition of steel slag depends on the
quality of the feed material, the steelmaking process and
the grade of steel produced.
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1. WHAT IS STEEL SLAG ?

SCRAP CHARGING BUCKET

SLAG TAPPING
Electric
Arc

Flux

Slag
TREATED STEEL SCRAP

Slag Pit
MELTING

Steel slag floats on top of the molten steel.

The hot slag is processed into steel slag aggregates.
In-house treatment method ensures that the aggregate is
suitable for use as road construction material.
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2.

RECYCLING OF STEEL SLAG

In many countries, steel slag is typically landfilled or dumped on

site. Reuse of steel slag conserves landfill site and promotes
sustainable development.
NSL Chemicals, together with the local universities have jointly
conducted research projects on the use of steel slag since 1991.
In 1993, a successful public road trial conducted with the Land
Transport Authority of Singapore (Public Works Dept.) led to the
approval of steel slag for use on Singapore roads.
Over the last 19 years, more than 1.3 million tons of steel slag has
been paved on Singapore roads.
NSL Chemicals practice on steel slag reutilization has been
estimated to save over 520,000 m3 of landfill site in Singapore.
Now 100% of the steel slag generated in Singapore is recycled into
road-making materials.
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not use, divulge or reproduce the said information in any way without a written consent from NSL Chemicals Ltd.

3.

PROPERTIES OF STEEL SLAG

Typical comparative chemical compositions of steel slag

and granite:
Steel slag contains significantly higher calcium and ferrous
content compared to granite rock.
Granite rock contains high silica and alumina content.
Steel slag is hydrophobic in nature (better adhesion with
bitumen) while natural rock is generally hydrophilic (higher
affinity to water than to organic materials, e.g. bitumen).
Components

Steel Slag (wt%)

Granite Rock (wt%)

SiO2
CaO
FeO
MgO
MnO
Al2O3

<20
25 50
22 35
47
68
3-9

59
5
7
3.5
15

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3.

PROPERTIES OF STEEL SLAG

Typical comparative physical properties of steel slag and

granite aggregates:
Properties

Granite

Slag

pH

11

Polished Stone Value

49

60-61

Steel slag has better resistance to

skidding.

LA Abrasion Value (%)

35

20-25

Steel slag has less abrasion loss.

21-31

14

Steel slag is harder than granite.

Magnesium Sulphate
Soundness (%)

2.1

0.6-2.4

Steel slag is more resistant to

freeze-thaw weathering.

Flakiness Index

22

3-16

Lower flakiness index indicates

higher structural stability.

Aggregate Impact Value

(%)

Remarks
Steel slag is alkaline and bonds
better with bitumen.

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not use, divulge or reproduce the said information in any way without a written consent from NSL Chemicals Ltd.

3.

PROPERTIES OF STEEL SLAG

Comparative physical properties of steel slag and granites:

The good resistance to stripping and high Polished Stone Value
exhibited by the steel slag aggregates show that steel slag is
superior to natural granite as a road surfacing material.
The superior adhesion between steel slag and bitumen reduces
typical moisture damage problems affecting granite pavement.
Steel slag pavement performs better in wet climate. Such
pavement surfaces tend to stay intact over longer period of time.

Granite

Steel Slag

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3.

PROPERTIES OF STEEL SLAG

Road pavement mixes with steel slag formulation have

better rut resistance and mechanical stability.
This indicates a more durable wearing course for the
road.
Parameter

Comparative Pavement
Mixes

LTA
Specs

Remarks

Steel slag

Granite

Marshall
Stability, kN

20.6

11.0

9 kN

Steel slag mix displays

better Marshall stability.

Flow, mm

3.60

3.85

24

Within specified range.

4.93%

4.00 %

3.68

9.90

Void in Mix
Wheeltrack
(mm/hr) 60oC

3 5% Within specified range.

Steel slag mix has less
deformation and wear.

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4.

SUSTAINABILTY

Environmentally friendly
Steel slag is classified as a non-hazardous waste.
Leaching test result shows compliance with
environmental regulation.
Element Steel Slag (ppm)

Limit (ppm) Element

Steel Slag (ppm) Limit (ppm)

As

<0.02

Fe

61.5

100

Ba

4.86

100

Pb

<0.02

Cd

<0.02

Mn

43.4

50

Cr

<0.02

Hg

<0.001

0.2

Cu

<0.02

100

Se

<0.02

CN-

<0.02

10

Ag

0.03

F-

1.01

150

Zn

0.42

100

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4.

SUSTAINABILITY

The use of steel slag

Reduces the reliance on natural resources.
Reutilizes waste material and conserves land.
Helps to reduce greenhouse gases emission.
0.05

kgCO2e

0.04

Life Cycle Analysis of Steel Slag and

Granite Aggregate

Transportation

0.03

Electricity

0.02

Diesel
Explosives

0.01

11
0.00
Steel Slag

Granite

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5. STEEL SLAG ROAD PAVEMENT

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6. CONCLUSIONS
Steel slag aggregate can be beneficially used as a road
surfacing material when it is properly treated, processed
and engineered for the application.
The physical and chemical characteristics are superior to
granite in road pavement application, particularly in its
Marshall stability and resistance to rutting, skid, and
bitumen stripping.
Use of steel slag aggregates mitigates the reliance on
quarry material extraction and assists in sustainable
development.
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not use, divulge or reproduce the said information in any way without a written consent from NSL Chemicals Ltd.

Thank You!
NSL Chemicals Ltd
26 Tanjong Kling Road, Singapore 628051
Phone: (+65) 6513 6900
Email: Sales@nslchemicals.com.sg
Website: http://www.nslchemicals.com.sg/

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The contents of these slides are private, confidential and proprietary to NSL Chemicals Ltd. The recipient / viewer of these slides shall
not use, divulge or reproduce the said information in any way without a written consent from NSL Chemicals Ltd.