Development of an eco-friendly binder using raw material of industrial by-product

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the potential use of ground granulated blast-furnace slag in thedevelopment of an innovative sulfate-activated binder, which has similar properties toplain Portlandcement paste and can be used to replace cement in construction activities. The effects of Na₂SO₄ contents(1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%, and 7.5% by mass of slag) as an activator on engineering properties of the sulfate-activated binder were investigated through the tests of flowability, setting time, compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, and drying shrinkage. The experimental results show that the Na₂SO₄ contenthad significant influences on all of the engineering properties of the binders. Increasing the Na₂SO₄ contentresulted in reducing flowability, setting time, and water absorption, while increasing the strength anddrying shrinkage of the sulfate-activated samples. The test results further indicate that using 7.5% Na₂SO₄ provided a significant improvement in the engineering properties of the newly developed binders.