Copper Slag with High MgO as Pozzolanic Material:Soundness,Pozzolanic Activity and Microstructure Development

The results of investigation to assess the possibility of copper slag with high MgO to be used as a mineral admixture in concrete were reported in this study. The soundness of cement paste containing the slag has been examined by autoclave test. Pozzolanic activity of the slag was studied in comparison to fly ash. The slag was mixed calcium hydroxide and water,and the progress of the pozzolanic reaction was determined by X-ray diffraction,differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy from 28 to 90 d. The experimental results showed that the autoclave expansion value of cement paste containing the slag was far below the expansion limit (0.8%). It can be conclude that the slag has little periclase content. The consumption of calcium hydroxide showed the slag exhibits high pozzolanic activity,which was higher than that of fly ash. Hence,use of the copper slag with high MgO but low periclase content as a mineral admixture in concrete seems feasible.