Effects of Activator Properties and Ferrochrome Slag Aggregates on the Properties of alkali-activated Blast Furnace Slag Mortars

Abstract

An innovative way of utilizing ground granulated blast furnace slag is to activate it using alkaline materials. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of activator type and curing conditions on the compressive strength and electrical resistivity of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag mortars. To obtain mortars consisting of waste materials was also an objective of the study. Ferrochrome slag was used as aggregate in some mixtures to investigate the effect of this waste material when used as an aggregate. As a result, both the binder and the aggregates were waste materials in some of the mixtures prepared. Test results indicated that for the standard water curing at $$20\,^{\circ}{\rm C}$$ , the compressive strength of the alkali-activated mortars was lower compared to that of the Portland cement, although these strengths may be considered enough for low and moderate strength applications. Higher strengths were obtained with the use of hot water curing. The test results demonstrated that the alkali-activated blast furnace slag containing waste ferrochrome slag as aggregate may achieve strength properties comparable or even higher than the ones produced with ordinary Portland cement and natural aggregates. Electrical resistivities of these alkali-activated mixtures were also significantly higher compared to that of the reference mixture.