Copper Slag Specification and Size Chart

This page lists the typical specification of granulated copper slag: physical properties, chemical composition and the standard size grades used for blasting and construction. Values are typical ranges. A material test report for the actual lot is supplied with every V K Corporation order.

Physical properties

• Appearance: black, glassy, angular granules

• Hardness: 6 to 7 Mohs

• Specific gravity: 3.3 to 3.8

• Bulk density: 1.8 to 2.2 tonnes per cubic metre

• Particle shape: angular to sub-angular

• Moisture: below 0.5% (dry, free-flowing)

• Free silica: below 1%

• Water-soluble chlorides: very low, suitable for coating work

Chemical composition

Typical ranges, % by mass:

• Iron oxides (FeO / Fe2O3): 45 to 55

• Silica (SiO2, bound as silicate): 30 to 36

• Alumina (Al2O3): 2 to 5

• Calcium oxide (CaO): 1 to 6

• Magnesium oxide (MgO): 1 to 3

• Copper (Cu): below 1

The silica in copper slag is chemically bound as iron silicate. It is not the free crystalline silica found in river sand, which is why copper slag is preferred for safer blasting.

Copper slag size chart

• Fine, 0.2 to 0.8 mm: light rust, new steel, thin coatings

• Medium, 0.5 to 1.5 mm: general structural steel, tanks, pipelines

• Coarse, 1.0 to 2.5 mm: heavy rust, thick coatings, ship hulls

• All-in, 0.2 to 2.4 mm: general open blasting, sand replacement in concrete

Custom gradations can be screened on request for project orders.

What about copper slag powder?

Copper slag powder is slag ground or screened finer than 0.2 mm. It is not used for blasting because it creates dust and cuts poorly. Its main uses are as a raw material in cement manufacture and as a filler in concrete and paving blocks. If you need powder or fines, tell us the mesh size and quantity and we will confirm availability.

Standards to quote in a purchase order

• ISO 11126-3 covers copper refinery slag as a blast-cleaning abrasive, including limits on moisture, chlorides and conductivity.

• ISO 8501-1 defines the surface finish grades Sa 2, Sa 2.5 and Sa 3.

• IS 383:2016 covers copper slag used as fine aggregate in concrete.

Packing and supply

Loose in bulk by truckload, or in 25 kg bags on request for smaller orders. Material test report, MSDS and delivery challan accompany each consignment. Call +91 9234 222 746 or message us on WhatsApp for the current data sheet.