Properties of sulfate-activated binder incorporating various fly ash-ground granulated blast-furnace slag mixtures
Abstract
Finding new eco-binders as an alternative to conventional Portland cement in construction activities has recently attracted many researchers worldwide. The feasibility of activating blended fly ash (FA)-ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) by commercial Na2SO4 to produce sulfate-activated binder (SAB) was introduced in this study. The SAB samples were prepared with different FA/GGBFS weight ratios of 5/95, 10/90, 15/85, 20/80, and 30/70. Results show that the SAB mixtures exhibited better flowability with more FA inclusion. Before 7 days, the mechanical strength of the SAB samples declined with increasing FA content. However, the samples with 20 and 30% FA exhibited higher strength values at 28 days. Water absorption of the SAB samples was in the ranges of 12.29 – 14.11%. Besides, the inclusion of more FA was beneficial in reducing the drying shrinkage of the SAB samples. The FA/GGBFS ratio of 30/70 was recommended for producing SAB for green and sustainable construction.
Moraref