Effect of ball milling-Ca(OH)2 coupling activation on the cementitious properties of ferrous extraction tailing of nickel slag: Basic properties, hydration mechanism and heavy metal safety

In order to improve the reactivity of ferrous extraction tailing of nickel slag (FETNS), This paper delves into the influence of ball milling-activator Ca(OH)2 on the cementitious activity of FETNS. Furthermore, it assesses the combined activation's impact on the working performance, mechanical properties, shrinkage properties, early hydration process, hydration products, and heavy metal element leaching of the FETNS-OPC composite cementitious system. The results show that the coupling activation significantly enhanced the reactivity of FETNS and prolonged the acceleration period of the composite cementitious system during the hydration process, thereby promoting the hydration reaction. This not only shortened the setting time of the composite cementitious system, but also significantly improved its early compressive strength. The microscopic test results showed that the coupling activation improved the reaction degree of the composite cementitious system, promoted the formation of more reaction products, and increased the compactness of the internal structure. In addition, the coupling activation also enhanced the degree of polymerization of the composite cementitious system, and these factors together led to an increase in compressive strength. However, it is worth noting that with the increase of FETNS reactivity under the coupling activation, the autogenous shrinkage change rate and drying shrinkage change rate of the composite cementitious system also increased accordingly. Finally, the results of the heavy metal leaching test showed that the coupling activation reduced the leaching value of heavy metal elements in FETNS, ensuring the safety of practical application. [Display omitted]