This research demonstrates enhanced compressive strength in alkali-activated materials using copper–nickel slag and fly ash, suggesting sustainable binder production methods.
Key Points
The research aims to explore the synergistic effect of blending copper–nickel slag with fly ash in alkali-activated materials.
Investigated mixtures of copper–nickel slag and fly ash with varying FA content from 0 to 100%
Alkali-activated mixtures were prepared using sodium silicate
Analytical techniques including thermogravimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM–EDS were employed to analyze the mixtures.
The blend of 80% copper–nickel slag and 20% fly ash achieved the highest compressive strength of 99.9 MPa at 28 days
The AACNS–80 formulation promotes a denser and more homogeneous microstructure
Enhanced reactions due to optimal particle packing density and co-dissolution of precursors were observed.