Effect of Alkali Content on the High-Temperature Behavior of Alkali-Activated Slag Paste Containing MSWI Bottom Ash
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 6
Abstract
The accumulation of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI-BA) not only occupies land, but also leads to severe environmental pollution. In order to improve the utilization of MSWI-BA and reduce carbon emissions, the effect of alkali content on alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste containing 12% MSWI-BA under high-temperature exposure was studied. The alkali contents, i.e., the mass of in the water glass, were 2%–6% of the total mass of the precursors. The weight loss, thermal shrinkage, and strength of AAS were investigated. The results show that at the same heat treatment temperature, as the alkali content increases, the flexural and compressive strengths of AAS increase and then decrease, reaching the maximum at AAS with 4% alkali content (NS4). As the alkali content increases from 2% to 4%, the higher concentration reduces the Ca dissolution of portlandite in MSWI-BA, resulting in a lower increase in Ca concentration than Si concentration. This leads to a decrease in Ca/Si and an increase in Al/Si of C─ A─ S─ H, which is beneficial for improving the structural stability of C─ S─ H after high temperature. When the alkaline content increases from 4% to 6%, excessive matrix shrinkage leads to an increase in microcracks. It was found that NS4 has the best high-temperature resistance and has good application prospects in engineering.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The project was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52278248) and Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (Grant No. 2021J02021).
References
Barzgar, S., B. Lothenbach, M. Tarik, A. Di Giacomo, and C. Ludwig. 2020. “The effect of sodium hydroxide on Al uptake by calcium silicate hydrates (CSH).” J. Colloid Interface Sci. 572 (Jun): 246–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2020.03.057.
Bian, Z., G. Jin, and T. Ji. 2021. “Effect of combined activator of and on workability and compressive strength of alkali-activated ferronickel slag system.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 123 (10): 104179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104179.
Bodnarova, L., J. Valek, L. Sitek, and J. Foldyna. 2013. “Effect of high temperatures on cement composite materials in concrete structures.” Acta Geodyn. Geomater. 10 (2): 173–180. https://doi.org/10.13168/AGG.2013.0017.
Cai, R., and H. Ye. 2021. “Clinkerless ultra-high strength concrete based on alkali-activated slag at high temperatures.” Cem. Concr. Res. 145 (7): 106465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106465.
Çelikten, S., M. Sarıdemir, and İ. Özgür Deneme. 2019. “Mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag and slag+ fly ash mortars exposed to high temperature.” Constr. Build. Mater. 217 (Jan): 50–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.05.055.
Chen, M., Z. Sun, W. Tu, X. Yan, and M. Zhang. 2021. “Behaviour of recycled tyre polymer fibre reinforced concrete at elevated temperatures.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 124 (11): 104257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104257.
Cho, Y.-K., S.-W. Yoo, S.-H. Jung, K.-M. Lee, and S.-J. Kwon. 2017. “Effect of content, molar ratio, and curing conditions on the compressive strength of FA-based geopolymer.” Constr. Build. Mater. 145 (8): 253–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.004.
Dai, Z., T. T. Tran, and J. Skibsted. 2014. “Aluminum incorporation in the C─ S─ H phase of white Portland cement–metakaolin blends studied by 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy.” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 97 (8): 2662–2671. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.13006.
Duxson, P., G. C. Lukey, and J. Deventer. 2006. “Thermal evolution of metakaolin geopolymers: Part 1—Physical evolution.” J. Non-Cryst. Solids 352 (52–54): 5541–5555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2006.09.019.
Fan, C., B. Wang, H. Ai, Y. Qi, and Z. Liu. 2021. “A comparative study on solidification/stabilization characteristics of coal fly ash-based geopolymer and Portland cement on heavy metals in MSWI fly ash.” J. Cleaner Prod. 319 (10): 128790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128790.
Fang, S., E. S. S. Lam, B. Li, and B. Wu. 2020. “Effect of alkali contents, moduli and curing time on engineering properties of alkali activated slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 249 (7): 118799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118799.
Guerrieri, M., and J. G. Sanjayan. 2010. “Behavior of combined fly ash/slag-based geopolymers when exposed to high temperatures.” Fire Mater. Int. J. 34 (4): 163–175. https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.1014.
Hu, X., C. Shi, Z. Shi, and L. Zhang. 2019. “Compressive strength, pore structure and chloride transport properties of alkali-activated slag/fly ash mortars.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 104 (11): 103392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103392.
Huang, G., Y. Ji, L. Zhang, J. Li, and Z. Hou. 2018. “The influence of curing methods on the strength of MSWI bottom ash-based alkali-activated mortars: The role of leaching of OH- and free alkali.” Constr. Build. Mater. 186 (10): 978–985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.224.
Huang, G., K. Yang, Y. Sun, Z. Lu, and Z. Xu. 2020. “Influence of NaOH content on the alkali conversion mechanism in MSWI bottom ash alkali-activated mortars.” Constr. Build. Mater. 248 (7): 118582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118582.
Krishnan, N., B. Wang, G. Falzone, Y. L. Pape, N. Neithalath, L. Pilon, M. Bauchy, and G. Sant. 2016. “Confined water in layered silicates: The origin of anomalous thermal expansion behavior in calcium-silicate-hydrates.” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 8 (51): 35621–35627. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6b11587.
Lahoti, M., S. F. Wijaya, K. H. Tan, and E.-H. Yang. 2020. “Tailoring sodium-based fly ash geopolymers with variegated thermal performance.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 107 (Sep): 103507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103507.
Lee, N. K., K. T. Koh, G. H. An, and G. S. Ryu. 2016. “Influence of binder composition on the gel structure in alkali activated fly ash/slag pastes exposed to elevated temperatures.” Ceram. Int. 43 (2): 2471–2480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.11.042.
L’Hôpital, E., B. Lothenbach, K. Scrivener, and D. A. Kulik. 2016. “Alkali uptake in calcium alumina silicate hydrate (C─ A─ S─ H).” Cem. Concr. Res. 85 (Aug): 122–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2016.03.009.
Ling, T. C., C. S. Poon, and S. C. Kou. 2012. “Influence of recycled glass content and curing conditions on the properties of self-compacting concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 34 (2): 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2011.08.010.
Luo, Y., S. H. Li, K. M. Klima, H. J. H. Brouwers, and Q. Yu. 2022. “Degradation mechanism of hybrid fly ash/slag based geopolymers exposed to elevated temperatures.” Cem. Concr. Res. 151 (1): 106649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106649.
Nasr, D., A. H. Pakshir, and H. Ghayour. 2018. “The influence of curing conditions and alkaline activator concentration on elevated temperature behavior of alkali activated slag (AAS) mortars.” Constr. Build. Mater. 190 (11): 108–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.099.
Pan, Z., Z. Tao, Y. Cao, and R. Wuhrer. 2018. “Compressive strength and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash/slag binders at high temperature.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 86 (2): 9–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.09.011.
Park, S. M., J. G. Jang, N. K. Lee, and H. K. Lee. 2016. “Physicochemical properties of binder gel in alkali-activated fly ash/slag exposed to high temperatures.” Cem. Concr. Res. 89 (11): 72–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2016.08.004.
Rafeet, A., R. Vinai, M. Soutsos, and W. Sha. 2019. “Effects of slag substitution on physical and mechanical properties of fly ash-based alkali activated binders (AABs).” Cem. Concr. Res. 122 (8): 118–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.05.003.
Rashad, A. M., Y. Bai, P. Basheer, N. C. Collier, and N. B. Milestone. 2012. “Chemical and mechanical stability of sodium sulfate activated slag after exposure to elevated temperature.” Cem. Concr. Res. 42 (2): 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2011.10.007.
Richardson, I. G. 2014. “Model structures for c-(a)-sh (i).” Acta Crystallogr., Sect. B: Struct. Sci. Cryst. Eng. Mater. 70 (6): 903–923. https://doi.org/10.1107/S2052520614021982.
Rovnaník, P., P. Bayer, and P. Rovnaníková. 2013. “Characterization of alkali activated slag paste after exposure to high temperatures.” Constr. Build. Mater. 47 (10): 1479–1487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.06.070.
Sevelsted, T. F., and J. Skibsted. 2015. “Carbonation of C─ S─ H and C─ A─ S─ H samples studied by 13C, 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy.” Cem. Concr. Res. 71 (5): 56–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.01.019.
Singh, B., G. Ishwarya, M. Gupta, and S. K. Bhattacharyya. 2015. “Geopolymer concrete: A review of some recent developments.” Constr. Build. Mater. 85 (6): 78–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.03.036.
Standards Press of China. 1999. Method of testing cements-determination of strength. GB/T 17671-1999. Beijing: Standards Press of China.
Tang, P., M. V. A. Florea, P. Spiesz, and H. J. H. Brouwers. 2015. “Characteristics and application potential of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ashes from two waste-to-energy plants.” Constr. Build. Mater. 83 (Apr): 77–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.02.033.
Tänzer, R., Y. Jin, and D. Stephan. 2017. “Effect of the inherent alkalis of alkali activated slag on the risk of alkali silica reaction.” Cem. Concr. Res. 98 (8): 82–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.04.009.
Türker, H. T., B. Müzeyyen, B. H. Durmu, E. Zbay, and M. Erdemir. 2016. “Microstructural alteration of alkali activated slag mortars depend on exposed high temperature level.” Constr. Build. Mater. 104 (2): 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.12.070.
Xue, C., M. J. Tapas, and V. Sirivivatnanon. 2022. “Cracking and stimulated autogenous self-healing on the sustainability of cement-based materials: A review.” J. Sustainable Cem.-Based Mater. 12 (2): 184–206. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650373.2022.2031334.
Yan, Y., S.-Y. Yang, G. D. Miron, I. E. Collings, E. L’Hôpital, J. Skibsted, F. Winnefeld, K. Scrivener, and B. Lothenbach. 2022. “Effect of alkali hydroxide on calcium silicate hydrate (C─ S─ H).” Cem. Concr. Res. 151 (1): 106636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106636.
Zhang, B., Y. Chen, Y. Ma, and T. Ji. 2023a. “Effect of hydration assemblage on the autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag mortars.” Mag. Concr. Res. 75 (9): 447–463. https://doi.org/10.1680/jmacr.22.00070.
Zhang, B., T. Ji, Y. Ma, and Q. Zhang. 2022. “Effect of metakaolin and magnesium oxide on flexural strength of ultra-high performance concrete.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 131 (8): 104582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104582.
Zhang, B., Y. Ma, Y. Yang, D. Zheng, Y. Wang, and T. Ji. 2023b. “Improving the high temperature resistance of alkali-activated slag paste using municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash.” J. Build. Eng. 72 (Aug): 106664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106664.
Zhang, J., C. Shi, and Z. Zhang. 2021a. “Effect of concentration and water/binder ratio on carbonation of alkali-activated slag/fly ash cements.” Constr. Build. Mater. 269 (2): 121258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121258.
Zhang, Y., Q. Zhou, J. W. Ju, and M. Bauchy. 2021b. “New insights into the mechanism governing the elasticity of calcium silicate hydrate gels exposed to high temperature: A molecular dynamics study.” Cem. Concr. Res. 141 (3): 106333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106333.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 6 • June 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 28, 2023
Accepted: Nov 20, 2023
Published online: Mar 23, 2024
Published in print: Jun 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Aug 23, 2024
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.