Physicochemical properties of CO2-cured belite-rich cement with electric arc furnace reduction slag as a partial replacement

Abstract

This study investigates the physicochemical properties of CO₂-cured belite-rich cement with electric arc furnace (EAF) reduction slag as a partial replacement at varying weight percentages (0–20%). The results revealed that water-cured specimens (WRS) showed significant increases in the numbers of gel and medium capillary pores, while carbonation-cured specimens (CRS) demonstrated increases in the numbers of large capillary and macro pores. Moreover, up to 10% replacement of the slag led to a decrease in the compressive strength, accompanied by increased CO₂ absorption and reduced alkalinity. When the EAF reduction slag content increased from 15% to 20%, CRS exhibited a trend reversal in the compressive strength, marked by an increase in the pH, approaching compressive strength comparable to those of WRS. This signified that higher percentages of EAF reduction slag are advantageous for enhancing CO₂ sequestration due to the potential reactivity of magnesium oxide in EAF reduction slag with CO₂.