Characterization and Attribute Identification of Imported Zinc Ash Containing Copper

The study mentioned by the title was conducted to prevent the import of “foreign waste” as secondary zinc materials into China. The zinc ash containing copper declared as “zinc copper ash” was ground, sieved, dried and characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), mineral phase microscopy (PM), and scanning electron microscopy-X-ray energy spectrum combination instrument (SEM-EDS). The main components and their content, phase composition, morphology of the sample were obtained. Based on the relevant literature and information provided by the client, the source and properties of the sample were inferred. It was shown that the elemental composition of the sample were mainly zinc, copper, and silicon, and the phase composition were zinc oxide, zinc copper alloy (Cu_0.64Zn_0.36 and Cu₅Zn₈), and silicon dioxide. It was inferred that the sample was the ash generated during the brass smelting process. According to issues of 4.2 and 5.2 in the GB 34330—2017, it was determined that the sample belonged to solid waste prohibited from import in China.