Efficient Utilization of Lithium Slag: Grinding Properties of Lithium Slag and the Hydration Mechanism of Lithium Slag-Cement Cementitious Materials

Abstract In order to enhance the hydration activity of lithium slag (LS) in cementitious materials. Three grinding aids (GAs), including ethylene glycol (EG), triethanolamine (TEA), and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), are added during mechanical grinding to explore their effects on the grinding efficiency and hydration process of LS. The results are obtained as the various GAs have optimized the particle size distribution of lithium slag powder, but the changes in specific surface area (SSA) and the relative number of bridging oxygen bonds (RBO) are minor. When the TEA content is 7 g, the leaching rates of Si 4+ and Al 3+ from LS powder are the highest, increased by 67.17% and 11.92%, respectively. During the hydration process of the LS-Cement Cementitious Materials (LCCM), when the dosage of EG is 4 g, it increases the hydration rate of C 2 S during the slow reaction stage. Due to the alkaline environment and the distortion of the albite crystal structure, the production of hydration products is increased, the proportion of harmful pores in the hardened paste is reduced, and the strength in the later-age of hydration is improved.