Research Progress on the Application of Soda Residue in Cementitious Materials

Soda residue (SR) is an industrial waste produced by the ammonia-soda process. The unique structural characteristics and cementitious activity of soda residue enable it to be used as a mineral admixture for cementitious materials, which is an important way for its resource utilization and also the development direction of green building materials. This paper reviews its potential as a supplementary cementitious material in cementitious materials from physicochemical properties, microstructural influence, and macro performance impact perspectives. Key findings indicate that soda residue enhances cementitious materials’ compactness and early strength through physical filling and chemical activation, yet it concurrently impairs workability and poses durability risks due to chloride content and salt crystallization. An optimized application requires dosage control, chemical modification, and combined use with mineral admixtures. Future research should focus on developing composite binder systems, innovating solid waste-based material preparation, and advancing desalination technologies to enable large-scale, environmentally sound utilization.