EAF slag as alternative filler for epoxy screeds, an example of green reuse

In this study, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag as a filler in an epoxy matrix is investigated to validate its use instead of sand in construction applications, such as epoxy screeds. The slag chemical composition was determined and morphological and elemental analysis of its phases was analysed. The leaching of Cr, Mo, and V was evaluated both on EAF slag and on the composites materials, demonstrating that polymeric matrix inhibits the release of heavy metals. Epoxy composites with different percentages of slag were mechanically characterized by flexural test, compression test, and Vickers microhardness. The samples were compared to those of epoxy resin filled with sand in the same volume percentage. As a reference, a commercial product specifically formulated for laying epoxy screeds was also tested. The results demonstrated that EAF slag could substitute the sand in epoxy screeds, obtaining a composite material with equal and even superior mechanical properties.