Abstract Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag is currently utilized with low-grade applications or landfilled. Here, we investigate a novel route to upgrade BOF slag to a high-performance binder by chemical activation with tri-potassium citrate. The impact of tri-potassium citrate on hydration and phase assemblage of BOF slag is analyzed with a multi-technique approach. Results reveal that the addition of tri-potassium citrate considerably enhances the reactivity of brownmillerite and accelerates the hydration of belite at early ages. The majority of brownmillerite hydrates within 24 h, and the reaction kinetics is controlled by the activator dosage. The main products of BOF slag hydration are siliceous hydrogarnet and C-S-H gel. Acting as a strong water reducer, tri-potassium citrate enables the manufacture of slag pastes with high compressive strength (up to 75 MPa at 28 days) and low porosity. Leaching of heavy metals from the slag pastes fulfills the Dutch Soil Quality Decree limits.

中文翻译：

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柠檬酸钾活化转炉渣的水化

摘要 碱性氧气炉 (BOF) 炉渣目前用于低品位应用或填埋。在这里，我们研究了一种通过柠檬酸三钾化学活化将转炉炉渣升级为高性能粘合剂的新途径。采用多技术方法分析柠檬酸三钾对转炉炉渣水化和相组合的影响。结果表明，柠檬酸三钾的添加显着增强了褐铁矿的反应性并加速了贝利特早期的水化。大多数褐铁矿在 24 小时内水化，反应动力学受活化剂用量控制。转炉炉渣水化的主要产品是硅质水石榴石和CSH凝胶。作为强力减水剂，柠檬酸三钾能够制造具有高抗压强度（在 28 天时高达 75 MPa）和低孔隙率的渣浆。从渣浆中浸出重金属符合荷兰土壤质量法令的限制。