Effects of EAF-Slag on alkali-activation of tungsten mining waste: mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of alkali-activated binders based on blends of tungsten mining waste mud (TMWM) and electric arc furnace slag (EAF-S) were investigated. The synthesis of alkali-activated binders was conducted at 60°C for 24 h with different TMWM/EAF-Slag ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 vt.%). Using sodium hydroxide (SH) and sodium silicate (SS) solutions as alkaline activators with ratio solid/liquid 4 by unit of volume, and the sodium silicate to NaOH (SS:SH) ratio of 2:1. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were determined. The different percentages of the precursors and the alkaline activators were optimised to produce paste samples. The compressive strength of samples with 10 vt.% EAF-Slag was close to 20.7 MPa after 90 curing days. The mechanical properties were further increased up to 30 MPa by increasing the percentage of EAF-Slag to 50 vt.%. This demonstrates a new potential for re-using waste material for various constructional applications.