Multiscale study of microstructural evolution in alkali-activated fly ash-slag paste at elevated temperatures

To promote the high-temperature application of alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS), it is vital to thoroughly understand the performance of AAFS at elevated temperatures. This paper presents a systematic study on the multiscale microstructural evolution in AAFS paste in terms of nanostructure, chemical composition and morphology changes characterised using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as the pore structure evolution by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry, backscattered electron microscopy and X-ray microcomputed tomography. Results indicate that the decomposition of C-A-S-H and N–C-A-S-H gels occurs while gel pores are filled at elevated temperatures up to 800 °C, along with the crack development, whereas micro-cracks are healed by melting and viscous sintering. This study provides an in-depth insight into the damage mechanisms of AAFS paste at elevated temperatures from a multiscale viewpoint, accounting for Level I: solid gel particles, Level II: gel matrix, and Level III: AAFS paste.