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The compressive strength and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag cement mixed with zinc oxide

This study investigated the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag cement (AASC) mixed with 2%–10% ZnO. In AASC, ZnO was more effective in improving the strength in the late age than in the early age. Adding 10% ZnO improved the compressive strength by about 22% after 28 days relative to the sample without ZnO. Furthermore, through the formation of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) and calcium zincate (CaZn2(OH)6·2H2O) and an increase in gel porosity (<10 nm), a dense matrix was formed, improving the mechanical properties of the samples. At high pH, AASC promoted ionization of ZnO and increased the pH of the pore solution. However, as the amount of ZnO increased, unhydrated ZnO was observed between the hydration reactants. AASC has a higher alkali concentration than ordinary Portland cement, which improves the reactivity of ZnO, thereby improving the strength by forming a high-density hydration reactant.