Impact of desulphurized electrolytic manganese residue-assisted cementitious materials on silicate cement hydration and environmental safety assessment

The use of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) as a mineral admixture is an efficient way of utilization, but its high content of gypsum phase limits its utilization. In this paper, EMR was desulphurized by means of high temperature reduction roasting to remove the hindrance when utilized as a mineral admixture. The effect of desulphurized EMR (D-EMR) on the formation of major hydration products such as C–S–H and calcium hydroxide (CH), as well as on the degree of hydration of cement clinker, was explored based on mechanical properties, hydration kinetics, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DTG) and Quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis (QXRD). In particular, the mineral phase evolution, the change rule of pore solution and the leaching behavior of heavy metals were simulated in conjunction with thermodynamics. The results show that the D-EMR content of 15 %, comparable mechanical properties and microscopic morphology to the control group can be obtained, while C3S and C2S hydration can be promoted by a factor of 1.08 and 1.28, respectively, without the risk of heavy metal leaching. Based on the thermodynamic simulation of heavy metal solidification by cement clinker minerals, it can be seen that heavy metals in D-EMR composite slurry are solidified mainly by Mn(OH)2 precipitation and weak adsorption effect, and it is safe even at the level of 30 % replacement, provided that the pH value of the leaching solution is greater than 7.5. In addition, the desulphurization technology is feasible from the perspective of environmental protection, and saves 200,000 CNY in emission costs. •The desulphurization process of electrolytic manganese residue is feasible.•The desulphurized electrolytic manganese residue (D-EMR) has pozzolanic activity.•The D-EMR can promote the growth of CH crystal surface (001).•The use of D-EMR in cement-based materials is completely safe.