Development of a novel emulsified asphalt enhanced steel slag-based geopolymer foamed concrete

Steel slag-based geopolymer foamed concrete (SSGFC) provide a promising value-added and carbon-neutral strategy for the re-utilization of SS, and the strength and physical properties of SSGFC are essential to its practical application. Therefore, this study proposes to use emulsified asphalt (EA) to improve the pore structure, compressive strength, water resistance and thermal insulation properties SSGFC. Firstly, different contents of EA were added into the foaming solution to prepare modified foam, and then SSGFC samples were prepared by using modified foam and steel slag-based geopolymer. The fresh properties, microstructure, pore structure, reaction products and physical properties of SSGFC samples were investigated. The results indicate that EA can reduce the fluidity and settlement value of the paste and increase the setting time. The addition of EA leads to a decrease in hydration products, but it can reduce the average pore diameter of the SSGFC and improve its pore diameter distribution. The SSGFC sample prepared by modified foam with 10 % EA showed the best physical properties. Compared with the control group, its compressive strength increased by 21.4 %, water absorption decreased by 16.5 %, and thermal conductivity decreased by 31.3 %. Therefore, EA shows significant potential to enhance the performance of SSGFC, thus providing reliable support for its practical applications.