Early hydration and mechanical performance of composited cementitious system prepared from high temperature calcined molybdenum tailings

To improve the recycling of solid waste and achieve the secondary utilization of waste resources, this study investigates the preparation of molybdenum tailings composited binders by high temperature calcination using molybdenum tailings, limestone, bauxite, and iron concentrate powder. Besides, to explore the mechanical properties of the new molybdenum tailings composited binders, a molybdenum tailings composited mortar was prepared. The mechanical properties, micro performance and hydration mechanism of the new molybdenum tailings composited binders were studied. Finally, the carbon dioxide emission of green molybdenum tailings composited binders/molybdenum tailings composited mortar was evaluated by the life cycle assessment method. The results show that the compressive strength of molybdenum tailings composited binders gradually increases with the increase of calcination temperature. When the calcination temperature is 1350 °C, the compressive strength and flexural strength at 28 days are 44.17 MPa and 7.56 MPa, respectively, which are 3.65 % and 4.63 % higher than control group made by P·O 42.5 cement. The early strength of molybdenum tailings composited binders increases slowly, and the later strength increases rapidly. In addition, there is more C 2 S in the matrix, resulting in a slow hydration heat rate and low cumulative hydration heat. Compared with other groups, the hydration kinetic parameters and hydration rate of molybdenum tailings composited binders under 1350 °C were the lowest. The main hydration prodcuts of molybdenum tailings composited binders are C-S-H, calcium hydroxide, and Aft gels. Compared with P·O 42.5 cement paste and mortar, the carbon dioxide emission of molybdenum tailings composited binders/molybdenum tailings composited mortar is reduced by 42.82 % and 29.08 %, respectively, which can indicate that the new binders can produce less carbon dioxide. Overall, this study can provide new ways for the development of the new binder mixed with plenty of molybdenum tailings, and offer a novel way for recycling the molybdenum tailings, and also present some valuable experimental results for the application of molybdenum tailings in infrastructures. • The eco-friendly high-temperature molybdenum tailings composite binder (MTCB) was prepared. • The reactivity of MTCB is affected by calcination temperature. • Quantitative hydration analysis of MTCB was studied. • The microstructure and hydration development of MTCB were investigated. • The life cycle assessment of carbon emissions from MTCB was carried out by a “cradle-to-gate” approach.