Behavior of supersulfated cement (SSC) obtained from blast furnace slag generated by charcoal and coke and submitted to thermal curing

The use of blast furnace slag (BFS) as a raw material in Portland cement (PC) has been considered for decades to reduce CO₂ emissions and the exploitation of limestone and clay reserves involved in clinker production. Recently, interest in free or low clinker cements has grown, such as supersulfated cements (SSC), which are composed mostly of blast furnace slag, up to 90%. The chemical characteristics required for slag for use in SSC, however, are not the same as those required for use in PC. One of the most important characteristics of the slag is the ratio of the CaO and SiO₂ content. Slags generated in charcoal kilns have a low CaO/SiO₂ ratio and are considered acidic and those generated in coal kilns are considered basic. This study aims to evaluate the behavior of SSC obtained from two slag, A and B, generated in kilns with charcoal and mineral. Thermal curing was also used to improve the hydration kinetics and mechanical properties. The results showed that, although both slags met the standard limits of (EN 15743), the B was more suitable for use in SSC. Using thermal cure at 40 °C, it was possible to increase the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and consequently the mechanical resistance of the SSC made with slag A. The lower calcium content of slag A was the probable cause of its low reactivity. (author)