Utilization of Ferronickel Slag in Cementitious Materials
Summary
Ferronickel slag, an abundant by-product of the ferronickel smelting industry, has emerged as a versatile component in cementitious systems. Its silicate-rich glassy phase and variable metal oxide content enable it to function both as a partial cement replacement and as a fine or coarse aggregate. When finely ground, this slag exhibits latent hydraulic and pozzolanic activity that can contribute to long-term strength gain and pore refinement. As a fine aggregate replacement, its angular particle shape and high density improve interparticle packing, while also influencing workability and rheology. Incorporation of ferronickel slag has been shown to enhance durability performance—particularly resistance to chloride ingress, carbonation and freeze-thaw cycles—by promoting the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate gel and secondary phases such as hydrotalcite. Global interest in slag utilisation stems from its potential to reduce clinker consumption, lower embodied carbon in concrete and alleviate the environmental burden of slag disposal. Practical applications range from self-compacting concrete to repair mortars and alkali-activated binders, with formulations tailored to balance early-age strength, long-term durability and sustainability criteria.
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Utilization of Ferronickel Slag in Cementitious Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in utilization of ferronickel slag in cementitious materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ferronickel slag: A glassy silicate by-product from ferronickel smelting, rich in MgO, SiO₂ and FeO.
Supplementary cementitious material (SCM): A pozzolanic or latent hydraulic material that partially replaces Portland cement in concrete.
Interfacial transition zone (ITZ): The microstructurally distinct region around aggregate particles, influencing bond and durability.
Pozzolanic reaction: The chemical reaction between silica-rich materials and calcium hydroxide, forming additional C–S–H gel.
Hydrotalcite: A layered double hydroxide that can form in cementitious systems, contributing to ion binding and durability.
References
- The interfacial transition zone microstructure of ground ferronickel slag incorporated self-compacting concrete investigated by nanoindentation. Journal of Building Engineering (2023).
- The effect of slag and fly ash content on the properties of electric furnace nickel slag-based geopolymer used for repair materials. Case Studies in Construction Materials (2023).
- Utilization of Industrial Ferronickel Slags as Recycled Concrete Aggregates. Applied Sciences (2022).
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