Positive Influence of Liquid Sodium Silicate on the Setting Time, Polymerization, and Strength Development Mechanism of MSWI Bottom Ash Alkali-Activated Mortars

Setting time and mechanical properties are key metrics needed to assess the properties of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash alkali-activated samples. This study investigated the solidification law, polymerization, and strength development mechanism in response to NaOH and liquid sodium silicate addition. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the formation rules of polymerization products and the mechanism of the underlying polymerization reaction under different excitation conditions. The results identify a strongly alkaline environment as the key factor for the dissolution of active substances as well as for the formation of polymerization products. The self-condensation reaction of liquid sodium silicate in the supersaturated state (caused by the loss of free water) is the major reason for the rapid coagulation of alkali-activated samples. The combination of both NaOH and liquid sodium silicate achieves the optimal effect, because they play a compatible coupling role.