LAUSR

Abstract Lithium slag (LS) blended cement mortar was prepared under two replacement levels (0 wt% and 20 wt%) and two curing regimes (initial steam curing for 7 h and initial standard curing), and their hydration products and performances under partial immersion in 5 wt% sodium sulfate solution were investigated. Due to the high content of SO3 in LS, under initial standard curing, delayed ettringite formation can be easily found in LS blended cement mortar, however, initial steam curing is proved to be effective in reducing this risk. The presence of gypsum and carbonate in LS accelerates the hydration of steam cured LS blended cement mortar and thereby increases its porosity, but greatly increases the proportion of gel pores and dramatically reduces the proportion of capillary pores. Whatever the initial curing condition is, the sulfate resistance of mortars partial immersed in 110 mm 5 wt% sodium sulfate solution is improved in the presence of LS, and the related mechanism is discussed.