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 RSA plays dual roles in AAS, as a precursor (though not fully reactive) and an internal curing agent. The reactive K and Si in RSA participate in the formation of C-(A)-S-H gel and the alkaline groups dissolved from the ash facilitate the hydrolysis of slag. Besides, the porous RSA absorbs liquid in the first day and releases it afterwards, thus providing internal curing to the matrix. The consistency index of the paste becomes higher with the incorporation of RSA. Both autogenous and drying shrinkage of AAS, which are considered as two problematic issues for this material, are mitigated by RSA.@en

One-part alkali-activated slag (AAS) as a binder material has a promising application in the construction industry. The properties of one-part AAS incorporating agricultural wastes have been seldom studied. In this paper, the fresh and hardened properties of one-part AAS with the addition of rice straw powder (RSP) were investigated. The reaction rate in the acceleration period of AAS is reduced by RSP. The compressive strength of the mixture decreases with the introduction of RSP, while the flexural strength increases. The porosity of the hardened mixtures becomes lower when RSP was incorporated. N-(C)-A-S-H gel was detected in the system when 4.2% RSP was present. The RSP reduces the early-age autogenous shrinkage of AAS by providing internal curing to the matrix, but its effect on long-term drying shrinkage is limited.@en