Influence of particle size-designed recycled mineral admixtures on the properties of cement-based composites

Abstract

In this work, engineered recycled mineral admixtures were obtained from four different industrial residues: basic oxygen furnace slag, iron ore tailings, quartz mining tailings and quartzite mining tailings. The grinding performance was evaluated in two different programs and the characterization included chemical and mineralogical composition, particle morphology, and physical properties. Performance evaluations were carried out in blended pastes and mortars, including flow properties, hydration kinetics, soundness, pozzolanic activity, and compressive strength. Coarser-than-cement admixtures allowed better flow performance, greater dimensional stability and more economical production, while finer-than-cement admixtures improved mechanical performance by both filler effect and cementing activity.