The effect of copper slag as a precursor on the mechanical properties, shrinkage and pore structure of alkali-activated slag-copper slag mortar

Copper slag, an industrial by-product produced in large quantities during copper smelting and refining, has the potential to be used as an alternative precursor for alkali-activated materials. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of copper slag but also addresses the growing scarcity of conventional precursors, such as ground granulated blast furnace slag. In this research, copper slag was used as an alternative precursor for alkali-activated slag-copper slag mortars. Sodium hydroxide and water glass served as the activators. The workability, mechanical properties, autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage were investigated to evaluate the influence of copper slag content. Furthermore, the reaction products and pore structure of hardened mortar were analysed to gain deeper insights into its performance. The results show that the incorporation of copper slag effectively prolongs the setting time and increases the fluidity. Copper slag reduces the autogenous shrinkage, but it also results in an undesirable increase in drying shrinkage. While copper slag delays strength development and reduces the strength, incorporating copper slag at a 50 % ratio still results in strength comparable to that of mortars utilizing 100 % ground granulated blast furnace slag as the precursor. The incorporation of copper slag alters the composition of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate and promotes the formation of ferro-silicate. Although it reduces the proportion of macropores in the total pore volume, it simultaneously increases the amount of capillary pores. Copper slag alters pore solution, and although heavy metal leaching remains minimal, risks in complex environments require further study.