Cementitious Properties of Nonferrous Slags from Canadian Sources

Abstract This report presents data on the characterization of nine Canadian nonferrous slags. The characterization includes the determination of grinding energy, fineness, chemical composition, estimates of glass content, pozzolanic activity, and strength development. Grinding the slags to 4000 cm2/g seems to be economically feasible. The chemical analysis indicates that calcium oxide contents for all samples are low with the exception of a lead slag. It is concluded that for research purposes, glass content should be measured with a scanning electron microscope image analyzer. Slag activity should be estimated using the ASTM Specification for Ground Iron Blast-Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars (C 989) test. The 28-day index indicates a direct relationship between strength and glass content when determined at 23°C in specimens cured in the moist room. Tests carried out at 38°C fail to confirm that strength development is directly related to vitrification.