Chemical and mechanical stability of sodium sulfate activated slag after exposure to elevated temperature

The chemical and mechanical stability of slag activated with two different concentrations of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) after exposure to elevated temperatures ranging from 200 to 800 °C with an increment of 200 °C has been examined. Compressive strengths and pH of the hardened pastes before and after the exposure were determined. The various decomposition phases formed were identified using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that Na2SO4 activated slag has a better resistance to the degradation caused by exposure to elevated temperature up to 600 °C than Portland cement system as its relative strengths are superior. The finer slag and higher Na2SO4 concentration gave better temperature resistance. Whilst the pH of the hardened pastes decreased with an increase in temperature, it still maintained a sufficiently high pH for the protection of reinforcing bar against corrosion.