The influence of steel slag on the hydration of cement during the hydration process of complex binder

The influence of steel slag, a by-product from the processing of iron to steel, on the hydration of cement during the hydration process of complex binder was studied by calorimetry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Ca(OH)(2) content determination. The results show that steel slag and cement affect each other's hydration by changing the hydration environment. Steel slag does not react with the hydration products of cement. The dormant period of cement-steel slag complex binder during the hydration is longer than that of cement. The more the adding amount of steel slag is, the longer the dormant period of complex binder will be. The steel slag decreases the early hydration rate of cement. This phenomenon is more obvious with the increment of steel slag addition. However, the steel slag can promote the hydration degree of cement at later ages and the promoting effect becomes more obvious with the increment of steel slag addition and the hydration ages.