The use of copper slags for making glass-ceramics

Copper slags containing high amounts of zinc oxide were evaluated for makin g glass-ceramic materials. Differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques were used in this investigati on. The slag compositions were modified by adding appropriate amounts of silica sand. Some nucleating agents such as chromium oxide and calcium fluoride w ere investigated. The developed crystalline phases and microstructures were determined in rel ation to glass compositions, nucleating agents used and heat-treatment para meters applied, Pyroxenes, spinels and willemite were the main crystalline phases developed in the obtained glass-ceramic materials. The developed gla ss-ceramics possess very high hardness and excellent chemical durability in both acidic and alkaline media. The obtained results are discussed in the light of crystal chemistry of minerals.