Utilization of super-hydrophobic steel slag in mortar to improve water repellency and corrosion resistance

An environmentally friendly method of applying super-hydrophobic modified steel slag in cement-based materials to decrease water absorption and improve corrosion resistance is proposed. The wettability, cumulative water absorption, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of a mortar mixed with different amounts of a super-hydrophobic steel slag were studied. The results show that as the amount of the super-hydrophobic steel slag in the mortar increased, its wettability and surface free energy decreased. An increase in the super-hydrophobic steel slag content of the mortar also led to a decrease in the cumulative water absorption. Electrochemical experiments showed that addition of the super-hydrophobic steel slag effectively improved corrosion resistance of the mortar. Addition of a small amount (<10%) of the super-hydrophobic steel slag in the mortar improved its compressive and flexural strengths. This proposed green method of using such steel slag in cement-based materials is conducive to achieving sustainable development.