Properties of High Density Concrete with Mill Scale Waste as Aggregates for the Production of Washing Machine Ballasts

One of the notable environmental issues dealt by the society is the generation and management of solid waste. Steel industry is one of the major contributors of solid waste generation all over the world. There have been many debates to minimize the production of such wastes, but apart from this, enough prominence should be given to utilize the same. One such waste generated in the steel industry is mill scale waste. Mill scale is formed on the surface of steel plates or sheets during its production in rolling mills. The specific production of mill scale constitutes to about 3 to 4% of the steel produced in the industry. Globally, millions of tonnes of mill scale are generated on annual basis. To some extent, it can be reused in steel industries and cement plants but very rarely research is conducted to explore the possibility of its use as aggregates in concrete. This study concentrates on the utilization of mill scale waste for the production of ballasts used in washing machines. Ballasts act as counterweights in washing machines and require a standard weight. Thus, high density concrete is used to produce ballasts occupying lesser volume for the given weight. Mill scale acts as a high density aggregate and is used as a complete replacement of fine and coarse aggregates. The studies carried out show that a density of 3100 kg/m³ is achieved for the designed mix concurrently meeting the strength requirements of the ballasts as per the industrial requirements.