Optimizing the use of secondary aluminium dross to produce high-performance sintered artificial aggregates
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2025
Abstract
Based on the oxidation process of aluminium nitride (AlN), secondary aluminium dross (SAD) waste can serve as a pore-forming agent in the production of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA). Consequently, this study aims to determine the optimal process for producing high-performance sintered artificial aggregates (SAAs). The effects of different sintering temperatures (1150 degrees C-1250 degrees C) and various SAD waste contents (0-50 %) on the performance of the SAAs were investigated. Additionally, the morphological characterization and phase analysis of the SAAs were examined. The results showed that SAAs with 40 % SAD waste content sintered at 1250 degrees C exhibited optimal performance: bulk density of 681 kg/m3, water absorption of 3.5 %, and crushing strength of 3.4 MPa. This is because the high AlN content in SAD waste is beneficial for pore formation, and the appropriate aluminium oxide (Al2O3) content in SAD waste could increase the densification of SAAs structure. Moreover, a highly porous structure of the SAAs with SAD waste sintered at 1250 degrees C was observed. Meanwhile, the generated magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) in SAAs could enhance the crushing strength. This demonstrates the potential of the produced SAAs which can be utilized in lightweight concrete applications and reduce the disposal risk of SAD waste through landfills.
Keywords
Aluminium dross, Lightweight aggregate, Artificial aggregate, Pore-forming agent, Waste recycling
Divisions
fac_eng,sch_civ,mechanical
Funders
PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd (PV008-2023),China Scholarship Council (202310710014)
Publication Title
Construction and Building Materials
Volume
466
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
125 London Wall, London, ENGLAND