NANO-TiO₂ MODIFIED ALKALI-ACTIVATED STEEL SLAG - SLAG MATERIALS: HYDRATION AND MICROSTRUCTURE

The application of nanotechnologies in alkali-activated materials can significantly improve their performance. In this study, the effects of nano-TiO₂ on the hydration process, hydration products, and microstructure of alkali-activated steel slag - slag materials were analysed using techniques such as hydration heat analysis, infrared spectroscopy and SEM. The results show that the addition of nano-TiO₂ significantly enhances the mechanical properties of alkali-activated steel slag - slag materials at different curing ages. The improvement in the early-stage strength can be mainly attributed to the pronounced nucleation-inducing effect of nano-TiO₂, which accelerates the hydration reaction. The enhancement in the later-stage strength is attributed to the filling effect of nano-TiO₂, as well as the induction of the formation of more gel products, optimising the pore structure and increasing the compactness of the matrix.