Reaction kinetics, mechanical characteristics, and microstructure of steel slag-cement binder modified with graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) was utilized as an additive to encourage the development of early strength in order to improve steel slag cement's low early strength. This work investigates the compressive strength and setting time of cement paste. The hydration process and its products were explored using hydration heat, low-field NMR, and XRD; in addition, the internal microstructure of the cement was analyzed utilizing MIP, SEM-EDS, and nanoindentation testing technologies. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of SS retarded cement's hydration, leading to a degradation of compressive strength and microstructure. However, the addition of GO was able to accelerate the hydration of steel slag cement, giving rise to a reduction in total porosity, a strengthening of the microstructure, and an improvement in compressive strength, particularly the material developing trends at the early stage. Due to its nucleation and filling capabilities, GO increases the total amount of C–S–H gels present in the matrix, specifically vast amounts of C–S–H gels with high density. It has been established that the addition of GO is capable of greatly enhancing steel slag cement's compressive strength.