Investigation of the Effects of Magnesium-Sulfate as Slag Activator

This study is about the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste using magnesium sulfate (MS) as an activator. MS is 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% contents of binder weight and water-binder ratio is 0.35. Compressive strength, X-ray diffraction, mercury-intrusion porosimetry, and thermal analysis were performed for analysis. The MS contents at which the maximum compressive strength appeared varied according to the measurement age. Hydration products affecting compressive strength and pore structure were ettringite and gypsum. As a result, the changes of ettringite and gypsum depending on the contents of MS have a great influence on the pore structure, which causes the change of compressive strength. The high MS contents increases the amount of gypsum in the hydration products, and the excess gypsum causes high expansion, which increases the diameter and amount of pores, thereby reducing the compressive strength.