Sodium Silicate Research Articles

Effect of the Sodium Silicate Inhibitor on the Corrosion Protection of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

The effect of the sodium silicate inhibitor on the corrosion protection of the AZ31 magnesium alloy at room temperature was investigated. The results of electrochemical measurement and weight loss experiments showed that incorporating the sodium silicate significantly enhanced the anti-corrosion property of the AZ31 alloy. When the alloy was immersed in the corrosive solution with the 0.1 M sodium silicate, the corrosion rate of the AZ31 alloy declined to 0.014 mm·y−1, and the inhibition efficiency reached 99.1%. The observation of the corrosion morphology indicated that the magnesium silicate precipitated to cover the corroded area with a thickness of 105 μm, while the silicate ion adsorbed on the uncorroded area. The calculation results of the adsorption energy based on the molecular dynamics indicated that the physical adsorption occurred when the samples were immersed in a sodium silicate solution. Combined with the schematic diagram, the protective mechanism of the adsorption and precipitation after the addition of the sodium silicate inhibitor was investigated.

Ester-Modified Sodium Silicate Grout Material for Moraine Stabilization: Synthesis and Freeze-Thaw Resistance

To achieve effective consolidation of fine particles in moraine and enhance the freeze-thaw resistance of the consolidated body, this study developed a novel grouting material using sodium silicate, lipid-based curing agents, and acidic catalysts. The gelation time and rheological properties of this material were tested. The freeze-thaw resistance was studied through changes in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) after freeze-thaw cycles, while the consolidation mechanism was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results indicate that the material’s gelation time can be controlled between 30s and 1600s, with an initial viscosity ranging from 5.9 to 9.8 mPa·s. Predictive models for these two indicators were established, and variance analysis revealed the influence ranking for gelation time: phosphoric acid dosage had the greatest effect, followed by EGDA content, with the Baume degree of sodium silicate having the least effect. The initial viscosity positively correlated with the Baume degree of sodium silicate and exhibited exponential growth over time. EGDA addition enhanced UCS by over 450%, reaching 1.2 MPa. During freeze-thaw cycles, strength degradation of the consolidated body was reduced by 10% to 30%. Microstructural tests showed that EGDA promotes silica gel formation and creates a network structure with unreacted sodium silicate, forming a dense consolidated body with moraine fine particles, thereby enhancing freeze-thaw resistance. These findings provide design references and theoretical support for moraine grouting in cold regions.

The Effect of Alkali Activator to Binder Ratio on Workability, Density, and Compressive Strength of Fly Ash-Slag Based Geopolymer Mortar

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of variations in the alkali activator to binder ratio (Al/Bi) on the workability, density, and compressive strength of geopolymer mortar. This study used an experimental approach to assess mortar compressive strength and workability utilizing a flow table in accordance with SNI 03-6825-2002, as well as mortar density in accordance with SNI 1973-2016. Variations in the Al/Bi ratio used are 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, and 0.55, with a slag content of 20% and a ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide (SS/SH) 1.5. The materials used in this research are fly ash type F, slag, fine aggregate, and an alkali activator consisting of sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium silicate (SS). The specimen is in the shape of a cube with dimensions of 50x50x50 mm and a total of 16 test objects. The results show that the higher the Al/Bi ratio, the workability of the geopolymer mortar increases, but the density decreases. The higher the Al/Bi ratio, the compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar increases to an optimal Al/Bi ratio of 0.50. At an Al/Bi ratio of 0.40, it has workability in accordance with SNI 03-6825-2002 standards. All variations of the Al/Bi ratio produce density that meets the SNI 1973-2016 standards. The maximum compressive strength of the geopolymer mortar was 12.15 MPa at an Al/Bi ratio of 0.50.

Study on the Factors Influencing the Adsorption Mechanism of CSH Gel for Chloride Ions

Calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel is an important hydration product of cement, significantly influencing the coagulation and hardening processes, as well as the mechanical properties, volume stability, and durability of cement. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in the adsorption of harmful ions. In this study, CSH gel was synthesized through the precipitation of calcium acetate and sodium silicate and was subsequently used to adsorb chloride ions. The results indicated that when the calcium-to-silicon ratio was 1.2, the CSH gel exhibited excellent adsorption performance for chloride ions introduced via CaCl2 and NaCl, with adsorption capacities of 17.45 mg·g−1 and 8.06 mg·g−1, respectively. The adsorption of chloride ions in CSH gel primarily occurs due to the physical adsorption of chloride ions on the surface and within the internal pores of the CSH gel, accompanied by a displacement reaction between hydroxide ion and chloride ions.

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interaction of Silicate Ions with Lead Carbonates Under Drinking Water Conditions.

The presence of lead has been identified as a critical health risk in drinking water systems serviced by Pb-bearing plumbing. Among several corrosion control strategies, the use of sodium silicates has attracted interest due to the advantages it offers compared to other approaches, such as phosphate dosage. However, the interaction of silicate ions with lead corrosion scales and other ubiquitous dissolved species such as Al ions in drinking water is not well understood. In this work, surface and bulk spectroscopic analysis of the solid scale is combined with quantitative analysis of the aqueous phase. A detailed spectroscopic probing of the transformations taking place on the solid phase enables us to develop a mechanistic framework for reports published in the last four years in the open literature, suggesting that silicates may not be an adequate corrosion control option in drinking water systems rich in solid lead carbonates. The spectroscopic data obtained demonstrate that in the presence of chlorine residual, silicates inhibit Pb(II) carbonates from oxidizing into less soluble Pb(IV) oxides thus, negatively impacting water quality. Furthermore, aluminum ions interact with silicates resulting in the formation of solid allophane phase over the lead scale surface, extending into the bulk. However, the formation of this new solid allophane phase does not protect against lead dissolution.

Synergistic Effects of Waste Glass Powder, High-Frequency Ultrasonic Dispersion, and Liquid Glass Treatment on the Properties of Aluminum-Based Ultra-Lightweight Concrete

This research investigates the impact of waste glass powder, high-frequency ultrasonics (HFUS) dispersion, and liquid glass treatment on aluminum-based ultra-lightweight concrete. Substituting up to 80% of Portland cement with waste glass powder significantly delays hydration and reduces compressive strength by 77%. However, applying HFUS dispersion for 60 s to a mixture with 30% waste glass powder substitution restored compressive strength to the reference value of 3.1 MPa. The combined HFUS and liquid glass treatment enhanced compressive strength by 87%, increased density by 32%, and significantly reduced prosody. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a progressively denser cement matrix with each treatment, highlighting the synergistic effects of these methods in improving concrete properties.

Preparation of SiO2 aerogel by water glass: effect of different sodium removal methods on aerogel properties

Preparation of SiO2 aerogel by water glass: effect of different sodium removal methods on aerogel properties

Flyash and coffee silverskin binary blended geopolymer

Exploring alternative precursors other than flyash, slag, metakaolin and palm oil fuel ash for geopolymer synthesis has become very essential owing to the need for reduction in cost and accumulation of solid waste that could contribute to environmental pollution. The use of coffee silverskin (CSS) in binary blending with flyash (FA) in geopolymer synthesis is not yet fully understood, although its performance in ternary blending with silica fume for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar has been established. Thus, binary blended CSS (0–30 %) with FA - such that CSS/(FA+CSS) varied from 0 to 0.3 - was activated by sodium hydroxide (8MNaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), and then subsequently cured at 60 °C. Mechanical property, binder morphology, compound product phases and bond characteristics were studied through compressive strength test, scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS), respectively. CSS (CSS/(FA+CSS) = 0.3) significantly contributed to strength loss due to microcracks, carbon content and fiber induced microstructural discontinuity, such that 7-,14-and 28-d strengths recorded were 5.2, 7.8 and 9.7 MPa, respectively. Maximum 28-day strength of 16.5 MPa was recorded in CSS/(FA+CSS) = 0.1. CSS caused the formation of monetite, and disappearance of muscovite and augite in flyash/coffee silverskin based (FACSS) geopolymer.

Effects of mix composition on the mechanical, physical and durability properties of alkali-activated calcined clay/slag concrete cured under ambient condition

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC), a possible alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), provides increased environmental advantages, notably lower carbon emissions. Likewise, similar to OPC, it faces durability problems under severe environments. This study evaluated the effectiveness and durability of alkali-activated concretes containing low-grade calcined clay and granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), using NaOH/KOH as activators and MgO and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as additives. The study's focus was on their physical-mechanical characteristics and performance under accelerated carbonation and chloride diffusion. Findings showed that calcined clay-GGBFS alkali-activated concretes exhibited a compressive strength range of 41.2–53.3 MPa, positioning them as a viable concrete for many structural usages. Nevertheless, the modified-RCPT (10 V) and NT Build 492 tests showed all concretes falling into the "high chloride penetrability" category, with values exceeding 350 coulombs and 13.5 (×10−12 m2/s) for the non-steady-state migration coefficient (Dnssm). NaOH and sodium silicate led to higher compressive strengths compared to KOH. Furthermore, the chloride migration coefficient of alkali-activated concrete blends ranged from 55.68 to 121.14 (× 10−12 m2/s). The incorporation of 0.6 % SAP decreased compressive strength but improved the non-steady-state migration coefficient (Dnssm). Lastly, MgO-enriched samples showed the lowest water absorption and carbonation depth, attributed to the buffering action of magnesium phases, reducing carbonate formations, as revealed by XRD analysis.

Optimization of Alkali-Activated Ladle Slag-Fly Ash Composites Using a Taguchi-TOPSIS Hybrid Algorithm

The effect of multiple mix design factors on the properties of ladle slag-fly ash alkali-activated composites was investigated. Taguchi-TOPSIS hybrid algorithm was adopted to optimize mix design parameters, including ladle slag replacement by fly ash (LSR), sodium hydroxide molarity (SHM), the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide (NS/NH), the ratio of alkaline activator solution to binder (AAS/B), and crushed stone replacement by desert dune sand (CSR). The results revealed that the mix proportions of the optimum strength response comprised LSR, AAS/B, SHM, NS/NH, and CSR of 10%, 0.5, 8 M, 2, and 75%, respectively, with a compressive strength of 21 MPa. Conversely, the mixture proportions for superior fresh properties had a flow of 240 mm and entailed LSR, AAS/B, SHM, NS/NH, and CSR of 40%, 0.5, 8 M, 2.5, and 75%, respectively. Additionally, the hybrid method prediction model proved to be robust, with the ability to predict strength and workability at 93 and 100% accuracy. The optimum mixes comprised an intermix of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate gels, with traces of calcium silicate hydrate gel, as identified by microstructure analysis and using ternary diagram system of Ca/Si-Na/Si-Al/Si ratios.

Effect of sodium gluconate addition on setting, hardening, and microstructure behaviour of hybrid alkaline mortar

In this investigation, the influence of adding 2%, 4%, 7%, and 10% sodium gluconate (SG) on the setting time of hybrid alkaline paste, and hardened and microstructure properties of hybrid alkaline mortar mixes were examined, and the results were compared with a control mix that made without addition of sodium gluconate. The hybrid alkaline paste and mortar mixes were prepared using a fixed proportion of OPC/fly ash (25%/75%), NaOH solution molarity of 9M, and sodium silicate to hydroxide ratio of 1.5. The results of this investigation found that the quick setting and abrupt loss of flowability of the control mix were improved by adding sodium gluconate, however, more promising results were observed at 7% and 10% sodium gluconate. The delay in polymerization due to lower availability of calcium ions, and adsorption of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups associated with sodium gluconate on the unreacted particles of binding materials and earlier formed products assisted in prolonging the time required for hardening. Further, the compressive strength declined at a higher dosage of sodium gluconate, however, the mortar mixes made with 2% and 4% sodium gluconate exhibited higher compressive strength than the control mix. The peak intensity of albite, nepheline, and C–S–H gel decreased at higher dosages of sodium gluconate, which was supported by a weaker microstructure characterized by more pores, micro-cracks, and partially reacted fly ash particles. Furthermore, the lower bridging oxygen content and greater Si–O–Na/ Si–O–T ratio at higher dosage of sodium gluconate confirms the delayed polymerization process.

Synthesis and application of WO3/PVA nano composite for antibacterial and thermal insulation

Abstract Insulation of glass material is very important for sustainable environment in this real world without compromising its primary function. The aim of this research is to provide robust solution by synthesis the Nano Tungsten trioxide particles via the chemical precipitation method. Developed WO3 NPs Characterized by using x-ray diffraction for; crystal structure, compound composition, and average crystalline size. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) employed to analyze the shape and dimensions of the WO3 NPs. Explored the potential thermal insulation and antibacterial attributes by coating 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% concentration of synthesized WO3 NPs in polyvinyl alcohol onto a sodium silicate glass substrate (4 × 4 inches; 2 mm thickness) by using 50 μm doctor blade. WO3/PVA solution showed the antibacterial properties measure by agar disc diffusion method on gram positive and negative bacterial culture S. coli and E. bacterial culture and the obtained results after incubation were showing very minor zone of incubation as compare to previous studies. Thermal insulation of coated glass samples were increased with % of WO3 NPs concentration in PVA and validate by significant coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.985).

Alkali activation of blast furnace slag using Bayer red mud as an alternative activator to prepare cemented paste backfill

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are increasingly used in mine backfilling as substitutes for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) due to their superior performance and environmental advantages. However, the high cost of commercially available alkaline activators such as sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate limit the widespread use of AAMs. This study investigates the use of Bayer red mud (RM) as an alternative activator to sodium hydroxide (SH), with blast furnace slag (BFS) as the precursor. Cemented paste backfill (CPB) was prepared by replacing 75% of OPC with these AAMs, combined with tailings and water. The results showed that CPB made with AAMs exhibited significantly better mechanical properties, with a 57% to 94% increase in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) at 28 days compared to CPB made with OPC. Even with an RM-to-SH ratio of 2:1, UCS improved by 3% over SH-only samples. Analysis of hydration products and microstructure revealed that RM provides more alkaline ions, enhancing the formation of calcium-alumino-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) and effectively filling capillary pores. This study demonstrates a cost-effective, environmentally friendly approach for producing AAMs, highlighting RM's potential as a sustainable alternative to commercial activators for CPB applications.

Thermal behavior of construction and demolition waste-based geopolymer

Unsorted Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) from residential building was tested as solid precursor for obtaining eco-sustainable alkali activated materials with potential applications in the building industry. Suitable reactive systems for material consolidation were tested, including alkaline solutions of sodium hydroxides and/or silicates at different concentrations. Metakaolin (MK) was also tested as an additional precursor together with CDW in different ratios to optimize geopolymerization. An MK/CDW weight ratio of 40/60 and sodium silicate as alkaline activator allowed the production of a well-reacted and cohesive material, with a bulk density of 1.35 g/cm3, a monomodal mesoporosity with a modal pore size of 0.0214 µm (open porosity ∼42 vol%), and a compressive strength of 25 MPa, thus showing similar features to those of pure metakaolin based-geopolymers. Thermal characterization was performed up to 1000°C showing that the material can exhibit thermal stability up to 650°C. Above that temperature a shrinkage due to viscous flow occurred, followed by an expansion over 750°C with the formation of macropores and dense struts. Based on these results, the developed CDW-based geopolymer has the potential for use in green building applications, with adequate thermal stability up to medium-high temperatures.

Artificial intelligence prediction of the mechanical properties of banana peel-ash and bagasse blended geopolymer concrete

This research explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to assess the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete made from a blend of Banana Peel-Ash (BPA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), using a sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3. Utilizing three AI methodologies—Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Gene Expression Programming (GEP)—the study aims to enhance prediction accuracy for the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete based on 104 datasets. By optimizing mix designs through varying proportions of BPA and SCBA, alkaline activator molarity, and aggregate-to-binder ratios, the research identified combinations that significantly enhance mechanical properties, demonstrating notable international relevance as it contributes to global efforts in sustainable construction by effectively utilizing industrial by-products. The experimental results demonstrated that increasing the molarity of the alkaline activator from 4 to 10 M significantly enhanced both the compressive and flexural strengths of the geopolymer concrete. Specifically, a mixture containing 52.5% SCBA and 47.5% BPA at a 10 M molarity achieved a maximum compressive strength of 33.17 MPa after 20 h of curing. In contrast, a mixture composed of 95% SCBA and 5% BPA at a 4 M molarity exhibited a substantially lower compressive strength of only 21.27 MPa. Additionally, the highest recorded flexural strength of 9.95 MPa (77.25% SCBA and 22.5 BPA) was observed at the 10 M molarity, while the flexural strength at 4 M was lowest, at 4.12 MPa (95% SCBA and 5% BPA). Microstructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ED-SEM) revealed insights into the pore structure and elemental composition of the concrete, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided data on the material’s thermal stability and decomposition characteristics. Performance analysis of the AI models showed that the ANN model had an average MSE of 1.338, RMSE of 1.157, MAE of 3.104, and R2 of 0.989, while the ANFIS model outperformed with an MSE of 0.345, RMSE of 0.587, MAE of 1.409, and R2 of 0.998. The GEP model demonstrated an MSE of 1.233, RMSE of 1.110, MAE of 1.828, and R2 of 0.992, confirming that ANFIS is the most accurate model for predicting the mechanical and rheological properties of geopolymer concrete. This study highlights the potential of integrating AI with experimental data to optimize the formulation and performance of geopolymer concrete, advancing sustainable construction practices by effectively utilizing industrial by-products.

Dense ceramics by cold reaction sintering using 95 % powdered construction and demolition waste and sodium silicate

This work explores the feasibility of producing ceramic-like materials from recycled construction and demolition waste through cold reaction sintering using sodium silicate as the liquid medium. The recycled material consists of a mixture of ceramics, mortar, and/or plasterboard - common building materials. Samples containing 95 wt% of recycled content were successfully fabricated at 150 ºC, a considerably lower temperature compared to conventional ceramic processes. These samples exhibited dense microstructures with relative densities of ∼ 90 %, as well as promising mechanical properties, including Vickers hardness values comparable to conventional bricks. In particular, samples with 30 % non-ceramic material showed more than twice the hardness when mortar was incorporated. Leaching tests confirmed the chemical stability of the material, with the incorporation of Ca²⁺ ions into non-leachable species, suggesting a reaction during CRS that enhances its durability. Additionally, FTIR analysis showed a blueshift in the signature from 973 cm⁻¹ to 1041 cm⁻¹ under more aggressive conditions, indicating structural changes and improved leachability. The primary advantage of this process would lie in the high recycled content used to create materials. This proposed new method allows obtaining dense pieces at very low temperatures, which also supposes a reduction of energy consumption, and therefore, an improvement of the sustainability of the production process. Given that this construction and demolition waste are often limited to not high added values, this approach not only supports environmental sustainability and resource conservation but also offers a viable pathway to decarbonizing the ceramic industry.

Effect of chemical consolidation on physico-mechanical properties of porous coral reef limestone

Porous coral reef limestone (CRL) is characterized by the low strength and developed pore structure, so improving its physico-mechanical properties is important for marine engineering construction work. Chemically consolidated porous CRL was prepared by taking a non-granular chemical grout (sodium silicate) as the main consolidation material. Then, the chemical consolidation effect was evaluated from two aspects (both the physical and mechanical properties) by conducting computed tomography (CT) scanning and quasi-static uniaxial compression tests. The results indicate that the consolidation material can fill the pores in the CRL, which reduces the porosity of specimens by more than 50%. In addition, the peak strength under quasi-static compression is increased by about 20%. The fragments decrease at failure, and fracture plane slip and crack opening are inhibited. Finally, influences of the special banded shape of consolidation material retained in the specimens on the failure process and failure mode of specimens were investigated. The chemical consolidation mechanism of porous CRL was revealed by combining with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Research results indicate that the non-granular chemical material (sodium silicate) improves the physico-mechanical properties of porous CRL. The research provides reference for the foundation treatment in coral reefs and the design of consolidation schemes for surrounding rocks of underground spaces in marine engineering operations.

Synthesis of Silica-Based Imprinted Ionic from Rice Husk Ash for Adsorption of Ni(II)

Imprinted ionic synthesis through the sol-gel process for Ni (II) adsorption has been carried out. Sodium silicate from rice husk ash (NaSiO3(RHA)), N1-(3 Trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (TMPDT) and Ni (II) are stirred, then 6 M HCl is added until a gel forms. Furthermore, 0.1 M EDTA and 0.1 M HNO3 were added to the dry gel to release Ni (II) to form-imprinted ionic material (SiO2-TMPDT-Ni-Imp). The material was characterized using FTIR, SAA, and SEM-EDX. FTIR characterization of SiO2-TMPDT-Ni-Imp indicated the appearance of-OH, -CH, -Si-O-and-NH absorption. The SAA characterization results show a surface area of 18.091 m2/g, a total pore volume of 0.033 cc/g, and an average pore radius of 16.739 Å. The optimum conditions for Ni (II) adsorption by SiO2-TMPDT-Ni-Imp are pH four and a contact time of 100 minutes. The appropriate adsorption kinetic model for the absorption of Ni (II is pseudo-second order with an adsorption capacity of 6.9 mg/g. Keywords: Silica, imprinted ionic, rice husk ash, adsorption, Ni (II)

Green Film Forming Technology Based on Polydopamine Galvanized

At present, the mainstream passivation agent is chromate passivation agent, but it has the disadvantages of high toxicity and high price, so this project seeks to find a safer, cheap and green chromium-free passivation agent. Because dopamine and chitosan derivatives have certain corrosion inhibition properties on metals in acidic media, these polymer corrosion inhibitors can achieve high corrosion inhibition rates at high concentrations. Therefore, in this experiment, dopamine was added on the basis of sodium silicate, and the sample was passivated to explore the potential enhancement effect of dopamine on the passivated film performance. After the sample was treated, the impedance value could be fitted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Zsimpwin software, and then the Tafel polarization curve was drawn. It was found that the addition of dopamine significantly improved the corrosion resistance of the passivated film. By promoting the positive shift of self-corrosion potential and greatly reducing the self-corrosion current density, the protective barrier effect of passivation film on metal matrix is effectively enhanced. Finally, the experiment successfully proved that the corrosion resistance of the passivation film after adding dopamine was better

Investigating the impact of foundry by-product sand as an activator on workability improvement and strength development in alkali-activated blast furnace slag mortar

The substitution of alkali-activated furnace slag significantly reduces the necessity of cement manufacture and mitigates the continuous growth of carbon emissions. In addition, it shows superior mechanical properties compared to traditional concrete materials. However, rapid setting issues hinder its widespread applications. This study investigated the innovative use of zero-carbon waste sodium silicate-bonded sand as a substitute for the fine aggregate and sodium silicate in traditional alkali-activated blast furnace slag mortar. The primary objective is to analyze the impact of waste sodium silicate-bonded sand on the workability and mechanical properties of the mortar. The key properties such as flowability, setting time, temperature measurement, compressive strength, and microstructural were analyzed to determine the improvement in workability and the strength development of alkali-activated blast furnace slag mortar resulting from the use of waste sodium silicate-bonded sand. The research showed the integration of waste sodium silicate-bonded sand results in an eco-friendly and cost-effective material, which addresses limitations in traditional activated blast furnace slag mortars. The finding revealed that substituting fine aggregate and sodium silicate with waste sodium silicate-bonded sand significantly improved the mechanical and workability properties of alkali-activated mortars. Notably, the compressive strength of mortars incorporating waste sodium silicate-bonded sand exceeded that of traditional Portland cement and effectively mitigated rapid setting issues. In addition, this approach led to an environmentally friendly mortar with satisfactory workability. The research emphasizes the practical benefits of utilizing waste sodium silicate-bonded sand and offers new insights into its effects on mortar performance. This has provided more details for future exploration and refinement in the field of alkali-activated materials.