The Characterization of Fly Ash during High Temperature Oxidation of Galvanized Steel

Fly Ash, a solid waste (particulate matter) generated from a steel smelting plant was analyzed and characterized. Physical and chemical investigations of the fly ash from a steel manufacturing company was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Hot stage Microscopy (HSM) to determine it properties. The fly ash sample comprised mainly of Fe, Zn, Mg, Si and Na. Zinc and Iron, the most abundant elements in the fly ash were found to be in the oxides. The amorphous nature of the ash had some distinct compounds and minerals, which had Gordaite being formed as one of the major phases as a result of the high temperature oxidation of galvanized steel auto parts. The other phases formed were Si5O15 and Zinc Ferrite. From the analysis, it was found out that Zinc Ferrites compounds were formed from the reaction of iron oxides and zinc oxide at high temperatures. Technologies can be developed for gainful utilization of the fly ash in the manufacture of new products.