Examination of mechanical properties and microstructure of alkali activated slag and slag‐metakaolin blends exposed to high temperatures

This paper reports an experimental study of the influence of elevated temperature on alkali activated slag (AAS) and slag‐metakaolin (MK) systems. The residual compressive and flexural tensile strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and porosity and water absorption ratios of AAS and AAS‐MK composites after subjected to elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C were investigated. Two different procedures were applied for cooling the specimens. The changes in the microstructure of the composites after subjected to high temperature were examined with scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. Test results reveal that depending on the increasing temperature, the residual compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and UPV values of the specimens decreased, and porosity and water absorption ratios increased. The minimum strength results of AAS and AAS‐MK specimens were observed at 800 and 600°C, respectively. In particular, there have been significant changes in the internal structure of AAS and AAS‐MK specimens exposed to 1000°C and new reaction products were observed. Test results have shown that AAS specimens are a new alternative that can be developed for use in environments exposed to high temperatures. Since this new composite contains only slag binder and slag aggregate, it can be an economical product that use fully recycled material and these properties can increase the application areas of environmentally friendly material.