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Characterization of Iron Welding Fumes for Potential Beneficial Use in Environmental Remediation
Citation:
Bennett-Stamper, C., T. Luxton, S. Harmon, AND A. Zimmer. Characterization of Iron Welding Fumes for Potential Beneficial Use in Environmental Remediation. Presented at Microscopy & Microanalysis 2012, Phoenix, AZ, July 29 - August 02, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of the current study was to determine if welding fumes generated during manufacturing exhibited the same chemical and physical properties as those generated in the laboratory. Research regarding nanoparticles generated as waste byproducts during industrial practices has received little attention in the environmental science and engineering literature. The similarity between the industrial and synthesized materials indicate the material has a potential use for remediation activities.
Description:
Research regarding nanoparticles generated as waste byproducts during industrial practices has received little attention in the environmental science and engineering literature. The physical and chemical characteristics and properties need to be considered when evaluating potential positive and negative environmental impacts. Welding fume nanoparticles (nano-WF), generated during manufacturing, constitute one such waste byproduct. Nanoparticles form during the condensation of welding gases produced from the welding pool which consists of a liquid produced from the metallic surface, flux, and consumable electrode rod (Figure 1). Vapors are subsequently removed and collected through an air filtration system. Previous research has provided characterization data only for welding fume particulates generated in a controlled laboratory setting. Results from this study indicate the iron fume consists of low fractal chains of sintered iron nanoparticles. Electron diffraction data indicated that iron was present as metallic iron and magnetite. The size and chemical composition of the material is similar to nano-zero valent iron, which has been shown to be an effective remediation technology for degradation of organic and sequestration of inorganic contaminants in soils and ground water. The objective of the current study was to determine if welding fumes generated during manufacturing exhibited the same chemical and physical properties as those generated in the laboratory. The characterization data collected indicates the industrially produced welding fumes are similar in chemical composition and shape to the laboratory generated sample. The similarity between the materials and with the chemical and physical properties of nano ZVI indicates the material has a potential use for remediation activities. Current research is focusing on the ability of the material to sequester and reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) form solution.
