Philosophy of rational mixture proportioning of alkali-activated materials validated by the hydration kinetics of alkali-activated slag and its microstructure

There are many highly variable approaches to mix proportioning of alkali-activated materials (AAMs), which considerably contribute to their great complexity and often incomparability of the obtained results. Therefore, this paper suggests one specific approach, based on the molarity of the activator and the volume fraction of the precursor. First, an inherently simple calculation procedure is introduced to obtain the weights of the raw materials required to prepare a desired volume of AAM paste and possibly mortar or concrete. Second, the rationale for this approach is demonstrated using calorimetric experiments conducted on alkali-activated slag pastes, activated with sodium and potassium hydroxides, waterglasses, and carbonates in wide ranges of molarities. Third, the applicability and impact of the presented approach are discussed in-depth, considering practical applications. The overall outcome is a complex set of information emphasizing the importance of molarity, precursor volume fraction, and space-filling ability of the reaction products for different activators.