The role of alumina on performance of alkali-activated slag paste exposed to 50 °C

N. Jambunathan, J. G. Sanjayan, Z. Pan, G. Li, Y. Liu, A. H. Korayem, W. H. Duan, F. Collins

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The strength and microstructural evolution of two alkali-activated slags, with distinct alumina content, exposed to 50 C have been investigated. These two slags are ground-granulated blast furnace slag (containing 13% (wt.) alumina) and phosphorous slag (containing 3% (wt.) alumina). They were hydrated in the presence of a combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution at different ratios. The microstructure of the resultant slag pastes was assessed by X-ray diffraction, differential thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained from these techniques reveal the presence of hexagonal hydrates: CAH10 and C4AH 13 in all alkali-activated ground-granulated blast-furnace slag pastes (AAGBS). These hydrates are not observed in pastes formed by alkali-activated ground phosphorous slag (AAGPS). Upon exposure to 50 C, the aforementioned hydration products of AAGBS pastes convert to C 3AH6, leading to a rapid deterioration in the strength of the paste. In contrast, no strength loss was detected in AAGPS pastes following exposure to 50 C.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)143-150
    Number of pages8
    JournalCement and Concrete Research
    Volume54
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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