Effects of mixing conditions and activator anionic species on the rheology of silicate-activated slag concrete

The proper control of the rheological performance of silicate-based alkali-activated slag (AAS) mixtures is problematic, as the conventional superplasticizers become less effective in alkaline media. Nevertheless, several methods have been proposed to improve the workability of silicate-activated AAS, such as by extending the mixing time, and...

Utilization of mswi bottom ash as a mineral resource for low-carbon construction materials: Quality-upgrade treatments, mix design method, and microstructure analysis

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the utilization of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash as a mineral resource for construction materials. MSWI bottom ash is the primary residue discharged after incinerating municipal solid waste. The generation of MSWI bottom ash is increasing dramatically with the wide...

Effect of white mud on properties of alkali activated slag

White mud is a solid waste from the papermaking industry, composed mainly of CaCO₃ and residual alkali metal ions (such as Na+, Mg²⁺). In the current study, the feasibility of using white mud as partial replacement of slag in alkali activated materials is explored. The fluidity, setting time, autogenous shrinkage,...

Interpretation of the early stiffening process in alkali-activated slag pastes

To better understand early stiffening of AAS pastes, distinctive microstructural features by varying the silicate modulus (Ms) have been visualized with in-situ microscopy. In addition, the activation reaction was monitored with multiple approaches, while solid and liquid phases in hydrating AAS were characterized separately. In silicate...

Characterization of one-part alkali-activated slag with rice straw ash

In this paper, fresh (setting and rheology) and hardened properties (strength and shrinkage) of one-part alkali-activated slag (AAS) with and without rice straw ash (RSA) are comprehensively investigated. The reaction kinetics and microstructure of the mixtures are characterized by a series of experimental techniques. The results reveal that...

Rheology of alkali-activated slag pastes: New insight from microstructural investigations by cryo-SEM

This study aims to interpret the early-stage rheology of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste from microstructure perspectives. The microstructures visualized by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) revealed the essential distinction between hydroxide and silicate-activated slag pastes. The hydroxide-based mixture showed typical...

Fracture properties and microstructure formation of hardened alkali-activated slag/fly ash pastes

This study presents a comprehensive experimental investigation on the fracture properties of hardened alkali-activated slag/fly ash (AASF) pastes in relation to the microstructure formation and reaction product composition. The main reaction product in AASF is C-(N-)A-S-H gel along with minor hydrotalcite phase, with the polymerization of C-...

Internal curing of alkali-activated slag-fly ash paste with superabsorbent polymers

This study investigates the influences of internal curing on reducing the autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag/fly ash (AASF) paste. The influences of internal curing with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on the reactions and microstructure of AASF paste are investigated. It is found that the SAPs absorb liquid mainly before the...

Effect of admixture on the pore structure refinement and enhanced performance of alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete

This paper investigates the influence of a plasticizing admixture on the pore structure refinement of alkali-activated concrete and paste mixtures and the consequently enhanced performance. Alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete and paste are designed using a polycarboxylate-based admixture with different dosages. The pore structure and...

Waste glass as partial mineral precursor in alkali-activated slag/fly ash system

The feasibility of a waste glass powder residue (GP) from glass recycling as partial mineral precursor to produce alkali-activated materials is investigated. GP served as powder coal fly ash (PCFA) replacement within a reference system composed of 50% PCFA and 50% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Compared with PCFA, GP was better...

Waste Glass as Partial Binder Precursor and Fine Aggregate Replacement in Alkali Activated Slag/Fly ash System

Fast increasing of generation and release of undesirable pollutants by the industrialization raise concerns about the environmental consequences of waste disposal. Among these waste materials, non-recycled waste glass constitutes one of the majority wastes produced in many European countries and sets a major environmental issue. Although glass...