Continuous Monitoring of the Early-Age Properties of Activated GGBFS with Alkaline Solutions of Different Concentrations
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 12
Abstract
This study monitors the early-age reaction kinetics and measures the heat of reaction of alkali-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) using an isothermal calorimeter, and the initial setting and possible product formations by measuring ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The GGBFS was activated with alkaline activator solutions of different concentrations in terms of modulus ratio () and content. Results reveal that GGBFS is highly sensitive to the compositions of the alkaline solutions. Increasing the alkalinity of the activator results in better dissolution of species and consequently an increased heat evolution with a relatively shorter setting time. The activator concentration also affects the rate of product formations as well as the morphological features. Activators with higher lead to homogeneous slag morphology. The abundance of silicate species in the alkaline solution also plays an important role in its structural formation. scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) microstructural characterizations supports the advanced dissolution of particles in a more alkaline environment. The presence of C-(A)-S-H gels in alkali-activated slag pastes was detected.
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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.
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the CRC for Low Carbon Living Ltd. (Grant No. RP1020) supported by the Cooperative Research Centres program, an Australian Government initiative. The support of the CRC is acknowledged with thanks. The authors also acknowledge the instruments and scientific and technical assistance of Microscopy Australia at the Electron Microscope Unit, UNSW, a facility that is funded by the University, and state and federal governments.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 12 • December 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 25, 2020
Accepted: Apr 22, 2021
Published online: Oct 4, 2021
Published in print: Dec 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Mar 4, 2022
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