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Mineral Carbonation and Lithified Slag

What is Slag?

  • It is a composite material containing metal oxides (such as iron oxide, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and is a by-product of the steelmaking process in the iron and steel industries.
  • It is created when molten metal is separated from the impurities in ore during smelting or refining.
  • The molten slag floats on top of the heavier molten metal and is removed once the metal is extracted.

Mineral Carbonation and Lithified Slag_4.1

Usage:

  • Construction Material: Slag is often used in road construction, concrete production, and as an aggregate for cement.
  • Environmental Applications: Some slags are used to neutralise acidic soils or water bodies due to their ability to absorb and stabilise contaminants.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Certain types of slag can capture and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) through a process called mineral carbonation.
    • Slag is chemically stable and has the ability to neutralise acidity.
      • When lithified slag breaks down, it stores greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide through a process called mineral carbonation.
      • This process mimics natural weathering.

What is Lithification?

  • Lithification is the process by which sediments are compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rock.
Fact
  • Previous studies have demonstrated that carbonates can form during the lithification process, contributing to the hardening of sedimentary rocks.
  • These minerals contain carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻).
  • In the context of slag, researchers identified a specific carbonate known as calcite, which is a form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) also found in chalk.

About Mineral Carbonation

  • It refers to the process of chemically converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into stable carbonate minerals by reacting it with naturally occurring minerals.
  • This process mimics natural geological processes, where CO₂ reacts with calcium, magnesium, or iron silicate minerals to form solid carbonates like calcium carbonate (limestone) or magnesium carbonate.

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