Factors influencing the properties of a steel slag composite cement

To examine the feasibility of a possible application of a steel slag that is locally available in large quantities, for the preparation of steel slag composite cement (SSCC), the effects of the granularity of the steel slag and of varying the amounts of clinker, steel slag, and activators on the properties of SSCC were investigated. An optimal composition, which generated a cement that was comparable with 42·5R cement, was obtained. The hydration products of the SSCC and micro-structure of hardened paste were analysed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the 3 day compressive strength of SSCC was increased by 119·7% by the addition of a compound activator. The large amount of hydration products generated in the early hydration period contributed to the significant increase in the early strength of the prepared SSCC.