Sodium hydroxide substitution in slag activating mixes: A potential pathway to more sustainable slag-based binders

Alkali-activated slag is commonly used as a cement substitute to reduce the environmental footprint of construction materials. Nonetheless, use significant amount alkaline activators, such sodium silicate or hydroxide, can be detrimental in terms global warming potential impact. The aim this work complementary activators partial replacement and therefore activated binder. Calcium calcium carbonate, sulfate magnesium oxide are binary ternary activating mixes. compressive strength at 28 days higher (up 18%) for carbonate sulfate-activated samples compared reference with hydroxide only. characterization microstructure shows that proportion nature hydrates formed depend on activators. aluminum hydrotalcite favored by presence oxide, hydrate sulfate. life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) performed different formulations substitution option develop more sustainable slag-based binders.