Novel eco-friendly approach employing recycled waste ferrochrome slag in cellulose-based bioconductive paper production: Energy harvesting and electro-optical properties

Abstract

This pioneering research incorporates ferrochrome slag (FS), a byproduct of metal extraction, with recycled pulp paper to improve electrical conductivity in an environmentally acceptable manner. The alternating current (AC) electrical conductivity exhibited consistent behavior from 100 Hz to 5 MHz at room temperature. A remarkable twofold increase in conductivity was achieved by elevating the FS ratio from 20 % to 25 % in the direct current region. Distinct trends were evident in 's' values, which serve as a measure of the level of interaction between mobile ions and their surroundings across frequency segments. The AF-Region (100 Hz - 2 kHz) yielded 's' values of 0.627-0.640, preferring values below 1, while the LRF-Region (2 kHz - 90 kHz) yielded values of 1.74-1.77, preferring values above 1. The sample with FS 25 % showed heightened conductive potential. Capacitance values and real permittivity (epsilon') increased noticeably at 100 Hz and 1 kHz with higher FS doping rates. By evaluating physical, optical, mechanical, electrical, and morphological properties, this study reveals the latent potential of FS integration, advancing electrical conductivity through an eco-friendly approach. This unique waste valorization underscores FS as a game-changing material for paper production leading to further environmental perspectives.