Mechanical/physical characteristics of polymer mortar recycled from rapid-chilled steel slag

In order to recycle rapid-chilled steel slag, 20 different specimens in total were prepared using varied replacement ratio of steel slag and the added quantity of polymer-binder. The performance of these specimens were then examined by compressive strength test, flexural strength test, absorption test, hot water resistance test, measurement of pore distribution and observation of micro-structures using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that compressive strength and flexural strength increased significantly while absorption ratio significantly decreased as more polymer-binder and steel slag were added. Hot water resistance test showed significant decrease in compressive strength and flexural strength but significant increase in pore volume and porosity. SEM observation of structure before hot water resistance test revealed very compact infusion of structure but decomposition or thermal degradation appeared in polymer-binder when observed after the hot water resistance test.