Carbonation of alkali-activated and hybrid mortars manufactured from slag: Confocal Raman microscopy study and impact on wear performance

This work aims to contribute to reducing environmental damage caused by the manufacturing of Portland cements (PC), through in-depth exploration into the durability of two mortars manufactured from blast furnace slag: an alkaline-activated one (AAS) and a hybrid cement (HS) with less than 20% clinker. The carbonation resistance of these eco-friendly mortars is compared to that of a mortar based on Portland IV cement. From a mineralogical point of view, DTA-TG and confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) tests have been carried out, along with measurement of pH changes, compression strength and total porosity. Böhme tests have been performed to evaluate changes due to carbonation in the wear behavior of the mortars under study. Using the CRM technique, it has been possible to establish a relationship between the carbonation of the systems with the unbound carbon content, as well as identify the different polymorphic phases of CaCO₃ formed. The results obtained reveal that alternative AAS and HS mortars are more difficult to carbonate than Portland cement mortars, and that the effect of this process on the porosity depends on the nature of the hydroxides previously present in the pore solution. The carbonation of the surfaces also improves the abrasive wear resistance of the mortars under study.