Effect of Dolomite Filler on the Sulfuric Acid Resistance of Alkali-Activated Slag Binders
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 9
Abstract
In this work, the influence of a dolomite filler, in combination with pulverized fly ash, on the sulfuric acid () resistance of alkali-activated slag (AAS) is studied. The evolution of compressive strength and mass loss, as well as mineralogical, compositional, and molecular structural alteration of hardened AAS binders containing 0%, 20%, and 40% dolomite filler, or a combination of 20% dolomite and 20% fly ash, exposed to 0% (deionized water), 1%, 2.5%, and 5% solutions, are investigated. The results show that the dolomite and fly ash incorporation in AAS pastes exacerbates the alkalis leaching and alkalinity loss and tends to enhance the strength loss in the solutions, likely due to a coarsened pore structure and, thus, enlarged permeability. Under the attack, AAS is decomposed into gypsum, glauberite, and amorphous calcium-magnesium aluminosilicate hydrates, with little thaumasite, ettringite, or magnesium-bearing mineral formations. While decalcification and the silica polymerization of gel products take place in AAS upon an acid attack, it has strong dealumination resistance. In low and intermediate acid concentrations, the dolomite incorporation reduces the amount of gypsum and glauberite formed in AAS due to the dilution effect, while in strong acid media, dolomite dissolution occurs and contributes to the deleterious sulfate minerals formation.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The items include the raw datasets of XRD and FTIR spectra and the TG/DTG curves.
Acknowledgments
The financial support from Hong Kong Research Grants Council (Project No. 17200719) is greatly appreciated. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 9 • September 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 9, 2019
Accepted: Feb 17, 2021
Published online: Jun 22, 2021
Published in print: Sep 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Nov 22, 2021
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