Preliminary investigation of the effects of high-temperature thermal activation on the activity of graphite tailings and the mechanical properties of graphite tailings mortar

Abstract

The disposal of graphite tailings, a byproduct of graphite mining, poses significant recycling challenges. This study explores eco-friendly cement mortar by partially replacing sand with activated graphite tailings, focusing on waste utilization. Activating the pozzolanic properties of graphite tailings at various thermal activation temperatures converts them into high-quality binder materials. Quantitative assessments of graphite tailings' activity, conducted through ion leaching tests and raw material diffraction analysis, produce an activity index Ka, evaluating their performance under different thermal activation temperatures. Variable testing of substitution rates and activation temperatures examines changes in mechanical properties, microstructure, and pore distribution of the graphite tailings mortar. Optimum results reveal a 30 % substitution rate and a 750°C activation temperature. Graphite tailings, as pozzolanic binder materials, enhance mortar strength by improving particle size distribution, reducing "micro-area bleeding" and "boundary effects". After thermal activation, reactive minerals on the tailings' surface undergo secondary hydration reactions with cementitious products, modifying chemical structures and micro-morphology at the interface. Semi-quantitative XRD analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy characterize the ensuing chemical reactions, unveiling molecular bond and functional group changes. The superior performance of thermally activated graphite tailings primarily stems from increased active SiO2 and Al2O3 post-activation. The active SiO2 and Al2O3 reacts with cementitious products to form C-(A)-S-H gels, filling micro-pores at the tailings-mortar interface, which is the key characteristic that enables graphite tailings to serve as high-quality pozzolanic binder aggregates. A predictive model for compressive strength, utilizing reference models from solid waste mortar concrete, quantifies the positive impact of chemical activation. The theoretical results obtained from this predictive model closely align with the experimental findings.