The influence of different parameters on the hydration process of binders based on alkali activated slag

The influence of certain types of activators (water glass Na2O.nSiO2 and sodium-metasilicate Na2SiO3.5H2O) on the hydration process of alkali activated slag was investigated in this study. The influence of activator concentration, specific surface area of the slag and the modulus n of the water glass (mass ratio between SiO2 and Na2O) on the kinetics of the hydration process i.e., the change of compressive strength were also investigated. Poorly crystallized low base calcium silicate hydrate C-S-H (I) is the main hydration product of alkali activated slag regardless of the activator used. This is the reason for the rapid increase in the strength of alkali activated slag and also of the very high strength values. The strength growth rate and strength values were significantly higher when sodium-metasilicate was used as the activator than when water glass was used. The specific surface area of the slag and the activator concentration are parameters which have a closely connected influence on strength and their action is cumulative. The modulus n of water glass does not have an explicit influence on the strength of alkali activated slag.