Mechanical properties and microscopic analysis of thermal activated ferrochrome slag powder - coarse aggregate concrete
摘要
To enhance the recycling rate of ferrochrome slag (FS), a ferrochrome alloy industrial waste, this study uses FS as ferrochrome slag coarse aggregate (FSA) and powder (FSP) to replace natural coarse aggregate (NA) and cement for ferrochrome slag concrete (FSC) preparation. FSP was thermally activated; its hydration activity was evaluated via DTA, XRD, and activity index to determine the optimal activation temperature. Mortar tests explored the cement substitution rate range of activated FSP. Effects of different FSP and FSA replacement rates on FSC’s mechanical properties were studied, with microstructures and mechanisms analyzed via XRD, specific surface area, pore structure analysis, and SEM. Results show FSP had the highest activity at 800 °C, the activity index increased from 59.05% to 74.21% due to Dickite decomposition and partial Olivine/Spinel producing more active SiO₂ and Al₂O₃. FSC’s mechanical properties first decreased then increased with FSA replacement; at 100% replacement, compressive and splitting tensile strengths were over 20% and 5% higher than NA concrete. With FSP increase, properties first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased, optimal at 10% FSP. Microanalysis linked improved properties to FSP elevating Al/Si, reducing Ca/Si, and hydration generating more lamellar C-A-S-H/C-A-H to fill pores/transition zones, refining pore structure and lowering harmful pore ratio.