Improving the carbonation resistance of alkali-activated slag mortars by calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxides

Abstract

Increasing attention is concentrated on the alkali-activated slag (AAS) as an alternative binder owing to its low environmental impact and high mechanical strength, whereas the carbonation resistance of AAS can be quite problematic. In this work, calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (CLDH) was synthesized and used to improve the carbonation resistance of AAS mortars activated by NaOH. The effect of CLDH on the carbonation depth, mechanical strength, and microstructure before and after carbonation was investigated. The results show that CLDH reconstructed the lamellar structure and formed a hydrotalcite-like phase because of its memory effect. The hydrotalcite-like phase acted as a buffer system to absorb CO2 intruding into the AAS mortars from the atmosphere, which retarded the decalcification of C-(A)-S-H. Meanwhile, the porosity decreased and the mortars become denser by the addition of CLDH, which prevented the diffusion of CO2 into the mortars. The compressive strength of AAS mortars was enhanced by the carbonation regardless of CLDH addition. Calcite and vaterite were the main carbonation products. The addition of CLDH did not significantly change the polymorphs of carbonates but mitigated their production.