Microstructural Characterization of ITZ in Copper Slag Concrete Composite

Abstract

The use of copper slag as an alternative to natural fine aggregates in concrete construction has two advantages: effective management of hazardous waste and assistance in conserving natural resources. In order to build confidence among stakeholders and to improve the utilization of copper slag in concrete construction to the required extent, this article evaluates the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of hardened copper slag concrete composites through various experimental studies. This includes tests on compressive and split-tensile strengths, sorptivity, microhardness, and microcrack properties of ITZ. This paper also examines the surface morphology of ITZ along with its elementary compositions using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The results show that copper slag improves the ITZ characteristics of hardened concrete due to its higher level of pozzolanic reactivity compared to natural sand.