Utilization of ground granulated blast-furnace slag and electrolytic manganese residue as a low-carbon cementitious material

Abstract

Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) is a common substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, GGBS–OPC lacks early strength when OPC content is low (<50%). A new cementitious material called GGBS–OPC–EMR (GOE) was developed by adding electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) to address this issue. Tests were conducted using XRD, SEM, and TG to analyze the micro-structural mechanisms of strength development in GOE. Environmental and economic evaluations were conducted, including CO₂-eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) analysis, leaching tests, and economic analysis. Results showed that mixture of GGBS, OPC, and EMR in a 4:2:1 ratio increased the unconfined compressive strength by 25% after 28 days compared to OPC while reducing cement consumption by 70%. Major hydration products in GOE were C–S–H and ettringite (AFt), with approximately 14% EMR promoting AFt production. GOE reduced CO₂-eq emissions by 35.9% and saved $46.6/ton compared to OPC. Leaching tests demonstrated GOE's ability to stabilize heavy metals, sulfate, and ammonia nitrogen.

Keywords:

• low-carbon cementitious materials
• ground granulated blast furnace slag
• electrolytic manganese residue
• unconfined compressive strength
• micro-mechanism

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC3901204), the Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Hubei Province(2021CFA096), and the National Science Foundation of China (U20A20320).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.