A novel admixture to improve durability of alkali-activated slag by reducing water sorptivity and optimising the process of activation

Alkali-activated slag (AAS) has attracted huge attention worldwide for its low CO₂ emission. However, the high water sorptivity of AAS is an obstacle before its practical application, while conventional methods can hardly solve this issue. In this study, the water sorptivity of AAS was decreased using a novel admixture, and the admixture shows a little effect on compressive strength at long ages. In order to clarify causes for its working mechanisms, the reaction process, reaction products and pore structure were investigated. The results suggest that sodium stearate (NaSt) plays an instrumental role in reaction process of AAS. Primarily, Na⁺ can provide a high alkaline environment, which is conducive for the dissolving of slag and increases compressive strength at the long term. Secondly, C₁₇H₃₅COO⁻ can dramatically limit the movability of ions in the liquid phase due to its long molecular chain and thus, regulates precipitation of coagulation structure, improving the of ordering structure of C(N)-A-S-H and promoting formation of hydrotalcite-like phases (LDHs), from which the pore structure is upgraded by coarsening the pore diameters at the level of harmless and less harmful pores and decreases the pore connectivity.