Water quenched slag from incinerator ash used as artificial stone

In this research, the incineration slag is treated with high temperature by the plasma melting treatment technology to effectively solve the resource recovery and reuse of the incineration slag. After the thermal plasma melting, the molten slag is vitrified into microcrystalline materials by cooling with water. It is called water quenched slag (WQS). Based on the characteristics of molten slag, the feasibility of reusing artificial stone resources is an importance issue. The objective of this study is to investigate mechanical properties of artificial stone made by WQS from the incinerator ash. The WQS is utilized for replacing stone powder and make artificial stone in this study. The research scope is to assess the proper ratio of coarse and fine WQS particles to produce the artificial stone. The experimental testing program includes hardness, specific gravity, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength, heat resistance, and toxic dissolution tests. The testing results show when the ratio of coarse and fine particles of WQS is 1:1 blended, the physical properties of the specimens are closer to those of general artificial stone; the tensile strength decrease but the compressive strength increase when more the amount of resin or WQS are mixed; in the heat resistance test, its softening point and failure point are similar to those of artificial stone. In summary, the comprehensive test results show that WQS demonstrate great potential to largely replace the stone powder component of artificial stone as an ecological and environmentally friendly material.