Utilization of calcium carbide residue using granulated blast furnace slag

The solidification and stabilization of calcium carbide residue (CCR) using granulated blast furnace slag was investigated in this study. CCR binding in hydrated slag was explored by X-ray diffraction, ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and thermodynamic calculations. Mercury intrusion porosimetry and and compressive strength tests assessed the microstructure and mechanical properties of the mixtures of slag and CCR. C-A-S-H gel, ettringite, hemicarbonate, and hydrotalcite were identified as the main phases in the mixture of slag and CCR. The maximum CCR uptake by slag and the highest volume of precipitated solid phases were reached when CCR loading in slag is 7.5% by mass of slag, according to the thermodynamic prediction. This feature is also experimentally observed in the microstructure, which showed an increase in the pore volume at higher CCR loading.