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Open Access | Accepted manuscript on June 16, 2026

Hydration Mechanism and Microstructure Regulation of CNGA All-Solid-Waste Cementitious Material

Ren Qiyue
Wang Qingjie
Nehdi Moncef
Zhang Shunshan
Abstract

To enhance the alkalinity stability of industrial solid wastes during activation, optimize hydration products, and refine microstructure, an all-solid-waste cementitious material (CNGA) was developed in this study. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and bauxite (BA) were used as precursors, while carbide slag (CS) and sodium-based desulfurization ash (NDA) served as dual-alkaline solid waste activators to replace industrial strong alkalis. By systematically adjusting the mix proportion of alkaline solid wastes, NDA dosage, BA dosage, and water-to-binder ratio, the macroscopic mechanical properties were evaluated through compressive strength tests, and the hydration mechanism was investigated using XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDS. The results indicate that CS–NDA dual-alkaline synergistic activation enables a functional division of rapid alkali elevation and long-term alkali retention, thereby ensuring continuous hydration and suppressing by-product formation. An appropriate NDA dosage significantly enhances the early-age reactivity of GGBS and BA, with an optimal content of 2% achieving a balance between alkaline activation, C–S–H gel formation, and inhibition of side reactions. Furthermore, BA incorporation supplies reactive Al₂O₃, promoting ettringite (AFt) formation and contributing to the generation of C–A–H gel. The SO₄²⁻ in NDA facilitates directional AFt formation, which enhances early-age strength and promotes the development of a gel–crystal composite microstructure.

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Keywords
All-solid-waste cementitious materials, Alkali-activated materials, Dual-alkaline solid waste synergistic activation, Gel-crystal composite structure, Hydration products