Xiangyu Xie , Xuemei Liu , Nan Zhang , Lihai Zhang , Jay Sanjayan
{"title":"Capillary extrusion rheometry for characterising wall slip behaviour in 3D printed concrete","authors":"Xiangyu Xie , Xuemei Liu , Nan Zhang , Lihai Zhang , Jay Sanjayan","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106333","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106333","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 3D concrete printing (3DCP) processes involve the flow of fresh concrete through a pipe, which is dominated by a lubrication layer at the interface between the bulk concrete and the boundary wall. However, the physical and rheological properties of the lubrication layer in 3DCP concrete have not been fully understood, and therefore further research is required. This paper addresses this challenge by conducting a series of comprehensive experimental studies to characterize the rheological properties and wall slip behaviour of printable concrete mortar. The experiments employ multiple rheometric tools, including a rotational vane viscometer, tribometer, capillary extruder, and micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT). The classic analytical model of wall slip correction is applied to quantify the physical properties of the lubrication layer for fresh concrete with varying aggregate content. The results reveal a linear relationship between the slip velocity and the wall shear stress for all mixtures, indicating stable slip coefficients at different wall shear stresses. Furthermore, it is observed that the thickness of the lubrication layer decreases as aggregate content increases. Assuming the layer consists solely of pure paste, rheological analysis estimated the thickness to lie between 10 and 70 μm for the tested concrete mixtures. However, micro-CT indicated a looser aggregate packing near the wall and revealed a thicker lubrication layer than that predicted by the rheological model. A thicker, paste-rich lubrication layer is shown to facilitate the pumping and extrusion process, which may also influence the interlayer bond strength between the printed filaments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106333"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145140913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanism of DR–PS in regulating early–stage microstructural evolution and strength enhancement of low–carbon alkali–activated concrete","authors":"Xiaofeng Pan , Liyun Tang , Jianguo Zheng , Wurong Jia , Lijun Zhang , Xiaoqi Du , Yongtang Yu , Peiyong Qiu","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106342","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106342","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The monolithic hydrophobic alkali-activated concrete (AAC) performs excellent long-term impermeability, while unavoidably accompanied with the lose of its mechanical strength. Microencapsulation can enhance hydrophobicity without significantly reducing compressive strength in cementitious materials; however, it still faces premature core material release issues, which inhibit the early alkali activation reaction of AAC. To overcome this limitation, a core-shell delayed release polysiloxane (DR-PS) was synthesized based on pH-time dual response coating. The effects of DR-PS incorporation on the mechanical performance and hydrophobicity of AAC were systematically evaluated, and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated through comprehensive microstructural characterization. The results revealed that, compared to the reference AAC, the 28-day compressive strength of DR-PS-AAC increased by 19.27 %, while the water contact angle (WCA) reached 90.5°, demonstrating a synergistic improvement in both mechanical strength and surface hydrophobicity. Mechanistically, the delayed release of polysiloxane avoided interference with the critical early-stage depolymerization and polycondensation of reactive Si–Al species, thereby facilitating the formation of a continuous gel network. In the later hydration stages, the released polysiloxane imparted durable hydrophobicity, while the degradation of the DR-PS shell contributed to pore structure refinement, evidenced by a 24.08 % reduction in pores larger than 10 nm compared to PS-AAC. This work presents a mechanistically informed strategy to reconcile early-stage structural integrity with long-term durability in AAC, offering a viable pathway for the development of high-performance, hydrophobic, and low-carbon concrete materials for aggressive service environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106342"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145127860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tenghao Huang , Bing Li , Zhongzhuang Zhang , Guotian Ye , Yuandong Mu
{"title":"A novel oxalic acid activated calcium silicate cement: strength, microstructure and composition evolution","authors":"Tenghao Huang , Bing Li , Zhongzhuang Zhang , Guotian Ye , Yuandong Mu","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces an oxalic acid-activated calcium silicate cement (OACS), where the oxalic acid precursor can be synthesized from CO<sub>2</sub> via electrochemical methods, thereby establishing it as a typical low-carbon cement. Experimental results indicate that the combination of oxalic acid and γ-dicalcium silicate exhibits rapid hardening during reaction. The setting time can be effectively adjusted through (1) lowering the mixing water temperature and (2) partial substitution of oxalic acid with sodium oxalate. Phase characterization reveals crystalline calcium oxalate dihydrate precipitates and extensively polymerized silica gel as the principal reaction products of OACS. Microstructural analysis shows a spatial configuration with silica gel encapsulating unreacted calcium silicate particles, while calcium oxalate deposits occupy interparticle spaces. Progressive pore-filling effects during curing reduce paste porosity over curing time, resulting in OACS pastes achieving a remarkable 3-day compressive strength of approximately 50 MPa, demonstrating excellent early-age performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106344"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145140631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving the mechanical properties of cement paste with carbonated blast furnace slag by tailoring CaCO3 polymorphs and increasing carbonation degree","authors":"Hammad Ahmed Shah, Weina Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106343","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbonating calcium-rich supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is increasingly used to reduce concrete's carbon footprint. However, significant knowledge gaps persist: (1) Carbonation forms a CaCO<sub>3</sub> layer on SCM particles, which may hinder active silica dissolution and pozzolanic reactions, potentially affecting concrete performance. The extent of this impact is unknown; (2) Carbonation produces calcite, aragonite, and vaterite polymorphs on SCM surfaces, but their effects on concrete's strength and microstructure remain unclear; (3) Increasing carbonation degree of SCM before concrete use may reduce carbon emissions, but its effect on mechanical and long-term properties is uncertain. This study aims to bridge these gaps and optimize carbonated SCM use in low-carbon concrete.</div><div>Blast furnace slag (slag) underwent wet carbonation at 23 ± 2 °C and 60 °C to form pure calcite and aragonite on its surface, respectively. Carbonation degrees of 3 %, 6 %, and 9 % were achieved by varying carbonation duration. The carbonated slag replaced 30 % of cement in cement paste preparation. This study addresses three key questions: (1) How does increasing carbonation degree affects slag's pozzolanic reactivity (2) How different calcium carbonate polymorphs (e.g., calcite and aragonite)? on slag surfaces affect cement paste properties? and (3) The impact of varying carbonation degree on cement paste performance. Results show that 6 % carbonation enhances pozzolanic reactivity, contributing positively to cement paste performance. Aragonite increases 1d strength by 23 %, while calcite boosts 28d strength by 17 %. At 9 % carbonation, autogenous shrinkage decreases by 15 %, and aragonite raises flexural strength by 70 %. Tailoring carbonation degree and CaCO<sub>3</sub> polymorphs optimize strength and shrinkage in cement paste.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106343"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Md Ibrahim Mostazid , Taehwan Kim , Stephen Foster , Basil Ben , Hossein Asadi , Ailar Hajimohammadi
{"title":"Inconsistencies in rapid chloride permeability testing of geopolymer concrete: Insights into binder chemistry, pore structure, and test cell configuration","authors":"Md Ibrahim Mostazid , Taehwan Kim , Stephen Foster , Basil Ben , Hossein Asadi , Ailar Hajimohammadi","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106340","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT) is commonly used to evaluate chloride resistance in concrete; however, its applicability to geopolymer concrete (GPC) remains highly disputed due to inconsistent and often contradictory results under standard testing conditions (60 V, 6 h). This study addresses this critical gap by conducting a comprehensive experimental investigation, analysing the RCPT performance of 34 GPC mixes while systematically varying nine key mix design parameters (including precursor composition, activator modulus, FA/GGBS ratio, synthesis method, and others). In addition to RCPT results, the porosity and pore solution chemistry of selected mixes were characterised to uncover the mechanistic origins of charge transport behaviour in GPC. The findings reveal that CaO/SiO<sub>2</sub> ratio, modulated by precursor and activator chemistry, plays a dominant role in controlling capillary porosity and ultimately the charge passed. GPC mixes in this study showed premature test termination when the CaO/SiO<sub>2</sub> ratio was ≤0.28, except in one-part or thermally cured systems. Test termination also occurred at 85 % FA content, but this threshold dropped to 65 % with low-CaO fly ash and varied further with the synthesis method. Notably, the study identifies an unexpected negative correlation between pore solution conductivity and charge passed, challenging conventional assumptions based on OPC systems. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that standard RCPT protocols are often unreliable for GPC, especially in mixes with high porosity and low pore solution conductivity, where premature test termination is triggered by excessive current flow. This work provides new mechanistic insights into the electrically driven chloride transport in GPC and establishes a foundational framework for developing more reliable durability testing methods for alkali-activated materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106340"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Elucidate the influence of polymers on the energy storage characteristics of cementitious composites","authors":"Muyang Shi , Jihong Han , Dong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cementitious composites are the foundation of modern buildings but suffer from intensive energy consumption, and combining them with energy storage holds significant importance for energy conservation and emission reduction. In this study, the polymer cementitious composites (PCCs) with outstanding electrochemical properties are synthesized by a facile and feasible method. The interwoven polymer structure in PCCs facilitates efficient ion migration through interconnected pathways. Controlled variation in polymer dosages enables the development of multifunctional PCCs, attaining peak mechanical-electrochemical synergy at 24.7 MPa compressive strength and 16.6 mS cm<sup>−1</sup> ionic conductivity. Moreover, the assembled cementitious structural supercapacitor (CSSC) achieves a quality energy density of 45.1 μWh cm<sup>−2</sup> (70.5 μWh cm<sup>−3</sup>) at a power density of 0.25 mW cm<sup>−2</sup> (0.39 mW cm<sup>−3</sup>) and excellent cycle life of 95.7 % capacitance retention after 4000 cycles. Furthermore, the CSSC can maintain stable electrochemical behavior while withstanding external loads. The real-time practical application of the CSSC is tested by powering thermal hygrometer. This approach provides a novel approach for durable, cementitious high-performance supercapacitors, advancing net-zero energy consumption buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106341"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shu Wan , Zhenguo Shi , Hussaini Abdullahi Umar , Xiang Hu , Caijun Shi
{"title":"Property enhancement of recycled concrete aggregate treated by vacuum absorption and direct soaking of silica fume slurry","authors":"Shu Wan , Zhenguo Shi , Hussaini Abdullahi Umar , Xiang Hu , Caijun Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106334","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the effects of vacuum absorption (VA) and direct soaking (DS) treatments with silica fume (SF) slurry at different dosages and durations on recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Properties of RCA, including apparent density, water absorption, porosity, crushing value, abrasion value, and SF absorption capacity, were evaluated. In addition, microhardness, XRD, FTIR, TG, SEM, and EDS analyses were conducted to examine microstructural and chemical changes. Results indicate that SF treatment effectively improves apparent density of RCA, reduces water absorption and porosity, and lowers both crushing and abrasion values. Specifically, abrasion values decreased by 11 % and 20.9 %, with DS and VA treatments, respectively, while porosity was reduced by up to 15 % and 24 %, and water adsorption by 10 % and 20 %. The use of SF-treated RCA provides better strength enhancement for RAC compared to mixes with equivalent SF added directly. The strength enhancement is attributed to the filling effect of SF that fills the pores and 'repairs' microcracks in RCA. Notably, VA treatment allows more SF to accumulate in the pores and cracks, resulting in a denser surface structure. Both treatments improve the strength of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and reduce its width. Microstructural analyses reveal that SF introduced via both VA and DS treatments participates in secondary hydration, generating more calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) or calcium aluminate-silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H), while reducing CH and AFt contents. The hydration products of SF-treated RCA exhibit lower Ca content and Ca/Si ratio, and higher Si content and (Al + Fe)/Ca ratio.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106334"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145089150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shiyu Zhuang , Xun Wang , Qiang Wang , Kuizhen Fang , Jianshuai Hao , Ruiquan Jia , Zihan Zhou
{"title":"Understanding the hydration behavior and action mechanism of magnesium slag in the binary and ternary cementitious systems","authors":"Shiyu Zhuang , Xun Wang , Qiang Wang , Kuizhen Fang , Jianshuai Hao , Ruiquan Jia , Zihan Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Magnesium slag (MS) is a burgeoning solid waste with a huge potential to use as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). However, the fundamental interaction mechanisms between MS and Portland cement (PC) or other SCMs like blast furnace slag (BS) remain insufficiently understood. This study systematically investigates the hydration behavior and reaction mechanisms of high-volume MS in both binary MS-PC and ternary MS-PC-BS systems, integrating hydration kinetics, phase evolution, microstructural characterization, and thermodynamic modelling. Results show that MS significantly alters cement hydration by introducing additional Mg<sup>2+</sup> ions, which promote the formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) phases. A distinct transformation sequence of ettringite → hemicarbonate → LDHs is identified, accelerating aluminate phase hydration (C<sub>3</sub>A and C<sub>4</sub>AF) while concurrently suppressing early silicate phase hydration (C<sub>3</sub>S and β-C<sub>2</sub>S). BS exhibits pronounced synergistic effects with MS. On one hand, the incorporation of BS increases the MS/PC ratio, thereby intensifying the MS-induced promotion of aluminate hydration while aggravating the retardation of silicate hydration. On the other hand, BS provides additional Al and Mg, which facilitates the rapid formation of OH-AFm at early ages and promotes the formation of cordierite at later stages. This also accelerates the phase transformation from ettringite to LDHs, thereby enhancing aluminate hydration. Furthermore, the pozzolanic reaction of BS consumes portlandite, shifts the reaction equilibrium, and promotes silicate hydration, effectively mitigating the MS-induced suppression of silicate reactivity. The development of high-volume MS binary and ternary system holds significant scientific and practical implications for advancing sustainable construction materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106339"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hou-Qi Sun , Jun-Jie Zeng , Shan-Shan Xie , Jun-Run Xia , Shiwei Yu , Yan Zhuge
{"title":"Mechanical and microstructural characterization of interlayer bonding in multi-material 3D-Printed concrete","authors":"Hou-Qi Sun , Jun-Jie Zeng , Shan-Shan Xie , Jun-Run Xia , Shiwei Yu , Yan Zhuge","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Layer-by-layer deposition in 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) facilitates functionally graded concrete (FGC) structures for sustainable construction. This study addresses the critical interfacial bonding challenge in multi-material systems by investigating printable alkali-activated concrete (AAC), normal concrete (NC), and engineered cementitious composite (ECC). Homogeneous concrete (HGC) and FGC specimens were fabricated, evaluating bonding strength evolution at 0–60 min intervals. Surface moisture content trends were monitored, revealing an overall decline with time, interrupted by a rebound at 30–45 min due to internal moisture redistribution. Results showed that the bonding strength in FGC specimens decreased linearly over time, whereas HGC specimens showed partial recovery at 45 min. Results quantified a linear decline in bonding strength for FGC specimens, with strength reduction reaching up to 32.25 % at 60 min compared to initial values. In contrast, HGC specimens exhibited partial recovery at 45 min, demonstrating strength restoration of up to 17.34 % relative to the 30 min interval. A multiscale analytical framework—combining molecular dynamics (MD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and backscattered electron microscopy (BSE)—was employed to elucidate bonding mechanisms. MD simulations highlighted the importance of surface moisture for molecular-scale adhesion. MIP and BSE results confirmed that concrete type and interfacial moisture significantly influence pore structure and hydration, directly affecting bond strength. These findings offer critical insights into compatibility and time-dependent degradation in multi-material 3DPC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106308"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiseul Park , Ahyeon Lim , Chi-sun Poon , Sung-Hoon Kang , Juhyuk Moon
{"title":"Scalable carbonation of low-reactivity steel slag monoliths using sodium-based carbonates","authors":"Jiseul Park , Ahyeon Lim , Chi-sun Poon , Sung-Hoon Kang , Juhyuk Moon","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Internal carbonation using sodium-based carbonates is proposed as a scalable strategy to activate medium-alkalinity steel slag, which contains abundant inert phases and exhibits limited hydraulic reactivity. Sodium carbonate (Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>) were used as internal CO<sub>2</sub> carriers under ambient curing conditions. Hydration–carbonation reactions led to the formation of stable carbonate phases, including hemicarbonate, monocarbonate, and calcite; gaylussite additionally formed at 5 wt% carbonate addition at early ages. Thermodynamic modeling suggested opposite pH trends during gaylussite formation, which explained delayed early-age hydration in NaHCO<sub>3</sub> incorporated samples. Both carbonates significantly enhanced the hydration of belite and ferrite, increasing the 28-day compressive strength from 5 MPa to 30–35 MPa by refining the pore structure. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing steel slag and incorporating carbon capture and utilization (CCU)-derived carbonates into sustainable binder systems without relying on an external CO<sub>2</sub> curing system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106338"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145077692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}