{"title":"Mechanisms of efflorescence of alkali-activated slag","authors":"Chen Liu , Zhenming Li , Guang Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2024.105811","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Efflorescence presents not only as a cosmetic concern but also as a structural issue, which impacts the performance of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). In this study, the mechanisms of efflorescence of alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes are investigated. First, the efflorescence of AAS pastes with different alkali dosages (3 %, 5 % and 7 %), activator types (sodium hydroxide (NH) and sodium silicate (NS)), exposure atmospheres (ambient, N<sub>2</sub> and 0.2 vol% CO<sub>2</sub>), and relative humidities (40 %, 60 % and 80 %) was observed. Subsequently, leaching tests were performed and the impacts of efflorescence on AAS pastes at different heights were studied. It was found that a lower relative humidity facilitated more rapid and severe efflorescence. The positioning of efflorescence products was dependent on the porosity of the matrix. Compared to NH pastes, NS pastes subjected to semi-contact water conditions were more vulnerable to cracking problems, which turned out to be exacerbated by the formation of efflorescence products. A new method to quantify efflorescence was developed and it corresponded well with both efflorescence observations and leaching experiments. Furthermore, a competitive reaction between Ca and Na in the presence of carbonate ions was identified. CaCO<sub>3</sub>, a representative product of natural carbonation, was rarely found in the regions where efflorescence products (sodium carbonate) formed. Regarding compressive strength, NS pastes were more adversely affected by efflorescence than NH pastes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"155 ","pages":"Article 105811"},"PeriodicalIF":10.8000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Cement & concrete composites","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958946524003846","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Efflorescence presents not only as a cosmetic concern but also as a structural issue, which impacts the performance of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). In this study, the mechanisms of efflorescence of alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes are investigated. First, the efflorescence of AAS pastes with different alkali dosages (3 %, 5 % and 7 %), activator types (sodium hydroxide (NH) and sodium silicate (NS)), exposure atmospheres (ambient, N2 and 0.2 vol% CO2), and relative humidities (40 %, 60 % and 80 %) was observed. Subsequently, leaching tests were performed and the impacts of efflorescence on AAS pastes at different heights were studied. It was found that a lower relative humidity facilitated more rapid and severe efflorescence. The positioning of efflorescence products was dependent on the porosity of the matrix. Compared to NH pastes, NS pastes subjected to semi-contact water conditions were more vulnerable to cracking problems, which turned out to be exacerbated by the formation of efflorescence products. A new method to quantify efflorescence was developed and it corresponded well with both efflorescence observations and leaching experiments. Furthermore, a competitive reaction between Ca and Na in the presence of carbonate ions was identified. CaCO3, a representative product of natural carbonation, was rarely found in the regions where efflorescence products (sodium carbonate) formed. Regarding compressive strength, NS pastes were more adversely affected by efflorescence than NH pastes.
期刊介绍:
Cement & concrete composites focuses on advancements in cement-concrete composite technology and the production, use, and performance of cement-based construction materials. It covers a wide range of materials, including fiber-reinforced composites, polymer composites, ferrocement, and those incorporating special aggregates or waste materials. Major themes include microstructure, material properties, testing, durability, mechanics, modeling, design, fabrication, and practical applications. The journal welcomes papers on structural behavior, field studies, repair and maintenance, serviceability, and sustainability. It aims to enhance understanding, provide a platform for unconventional materials, promote low-cost energy-saving materials, and bridge the gap between materials science, engineering, and construction. Special issues on emerging topics are also published to encourage collaboration between materials scientists, engineers, designers, and fabricators.