Parameters influencing the initial setting time of alkali-activated ground granulated blastfurnace slag materials

Various parameters influencing the initial setting time of alkali-activated slag materials have been investigated using the Vicat method. The alkali solutions used for the activation were liquid sodium silicate (water glass) of different moduli n (SiO2/Na2O ratio) and pH. The results indicate that the initial setting time is mainly influenced by two parameters; 1) the specific surface area of the slag and 2) the modulus of the solution. The results also suggest that the problem with controlling the initial setting time of alkali-activated slag can be solved by controlling the characteristics of the solvent used for the activation