Characteristics of alkali-activated composites containing blast furnace slag aggregate and ferronickel slag powder

The utilization of alkali-activated composites and alternative aggregates is being emphasized to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the construction industry and mitigate the problem of aggregate depletion. However, the investigation into non-cement composites employing ferronickel slag powder (FSP) and blast furnace slag fine aggregate (BSA) remains limited. This study aims to assess the mechanical properties and durability of non-cement composites utilizing FSP and BSA. Our findings indicate that the sample with 10% FSP and 25% BSA (F10_BSA25) demonstrated the highest 28-d compressive strength, approximately 42.2 MPa. Furthermore, the 28-d compressive strength increased with an elevated BSA incorporation ratio. Charge passed tests on non-cement composites with FSP and BSA revealed that the F05_BSA50 sample, after 7 d, exhibited a total charge of approximately 907 C, classifying it as "very low" according to ASTM C 1202. By 56 d, the total charge for the F05_BSA50 sample reached a minimal value of approximately 120 C, close to "negligible" per ASTM C 1202. Thus, it can be concluded that an appropriate BSA content effectively enhances the mechanical properties and durability of non-cement composites.