Effects of carbonation on the retention of heavy metals in chemically activated BOF slag pastes

Basic Oxygen Furnace slag contains heavy metals, including vanadium, chromium and molybdenum. The leachability of these elements determines the industrial applicability slag-based building products. This study investigates post‑carbonation leaching metals from activated BOF pastes with focus on activator dosage type (sodium potassium citrate). Results reveal that high degree brownmillerite hydration boosts as its product- hydrogarnet is less stable upon carbonation. With two procedures, it demonstrated carbonation resistance becomes main attribute in preventing metals. It can be enhanced by optimising to facilitate C2S consequent structural densification.