Resource utilization of lithium slag supplementary cementitious materials through mechanical activation: mechanism investigation and process optimization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Lithium slag (LS) poses environmental challenges due to disposal.
• Supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) offer a sustainable alternative for waste utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the mechanical properties of SCM using region-specific lithium slag.
• To investigate the impact of grinding time and LS dosage on SCM performance.
• To explore the hydration products and microstructure of LS-modified SCM.

Main Methods:

• Optimizing grinding time and LS dosage for SCM preparation.
• Analyzing hydration products and microstructure using advanced techniques.
• Evaluating compressive strength and pore volume of SCM at various ages.

Main Results:

• LS with a median particle size of 11.71 μm exhibited the highest activity index.
• SCM with 30% LS achieved 54.61 MPa compressive strength at 28 days, comparable to ordinary Portland cement.
• LS introduction reduced interparticle pore volume and enhanced early-age strength.

Conclusions:

• Optimized SCM with LS demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and reduced porosity.
• This research provides a scientific basis for the resource utilization of LS waste in SCM production.
• The findings support the sustainable application of lithium slag in construction materials.