A critical review on application of alkali activated slag as a sustainable composite binder

A state-of-the-art review of advances in alkali activated slag (AAS) with respect to its behaviour is presented. The need for sustainable development of AAS, and factors that the fresh and hardened properties of AAS based composites were discussed. The fresh properties of AAS reviewed include flow, setting times and heat of hydration. While the hardened properties considered were compressive strength, shrinkage, and microstructure. Major limitation of using AAS and possible solutions were also highlighted. Overall, various studies showed that large scale application and commercialization of AAS is imminent in the coming years, as AAS is capable of exhibiting similar/higher properties compared to that of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). In addition, the viewpoint of this review will be useful for contractors and researchers to have more understanding about AAS. Grey areas for possible research exploit were also identified