STUDY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROSILICA DUST GENERATED DURING FERROSILICON PRODUCTION

Abstract

Microsilica dust generated during ferrosilicon production accumulates in substantial quantities, creating significant environmental concerns. However, its compositional and structural features enable its consideration as a valuable secondary raw material. In this study, technogenic microsilica obtained from ferrosilicon production waste in Uzbekistan was comprehensively characterized for the first-time using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (TEM/EDS). Its potential application as a functional filler was also evaluated. According to XRF analysis, silicon was identified as the dominant component, accounting for 50.6 wt. %. XRD results revealed a broad diffuse maximum within the 2θ range of 15-30°, indicating that the material predominantly exhibits an amorphous structure. FT-IR spectra demonstrated intense absorption bands characteristic of Si-O-Si bonds. TEM images showed that the particles possess a spherical morphology with sizes ranging from 50 to 200 nm and exhibit a pronounced tendency toward aggregation. EDS analysis confirmed that Si and O are the prevailing elements in the composition. The spherical morphology and nanoscale structure of the particles indicate that microsilica is formed in the vapor phase during ferrosilicon smelting and subsequently undergoes rapid condensation. The results demonstrate a clear relationship between the chemical composition of microsilica and its amorphous structural state, highlighting distinctive features of technogenic microsilica generated under the conditions of ferrosilicon production
in Uzbekistan compared to conventional silica fume samples.