| Title: | Micro/meso scale investigations on F-slag sand developed with synergistic use of fly ash and slag |
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| Authors: | ID Sekhar, Kummari (Author)
ID Rao, Bendadi Hanumantha (Author)
ID Zalar Serjun, Vesna (Corresponding author) |
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| Files: |  URL - Source URL, visit https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43476-x
 PDF - Presentation file, download (3,52 MB)
MD5: B9EB40BA3B9DCB97157878E7E0B639FA
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: |  ZAG - Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute
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| Abstract: | The present study propounds development of an artificial sand, with a prime aim of exploring a potential substitute for natural river sand. The artificial sand, named F-Slag sand, within the particle size range of 4.75 − 0.075 mm, is developed with the combined use of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as binder solids (BS) blended in proportions of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. Pelletization, by employing a custom designed disc pelletizer equipment, and geopolymerization, a process of binding and bonding of FA and GGBS particles to form sand size fractions, techniques are adopted to synthesize F-slag sand. Pelletizer speed of 15 rpm, pelletization duration of 10 min, and alkali activator solution to BS ratio of 0.06 are found optimal to produce the sand. A comprehensive micro/meso-analysis, including 3D computed tomography scan, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are performed on F-slag sand and attempts are made to interpret macro-applications of it. Demonstrably, the synergistic use of GGBS and FA has completely alleviated the need for elevated curing of sand. The gradational analysis revealed that more than 90% of BS are converted into sand size fractions (4.75 − 0.075 mm). F-slag sand exhibited specific gravity of 2.1, water absorption of 17%, permeability 4.2 × 10− 3 cm/sec, angle of internal friction of 38°, and crushing value of 14.8%. In comparison, river sand showed 2.6, 4%, 3.6 × 10− 3 cm/sec, 39° and 6.3% respectively. The loose and compacted bulk densities of F-slag sand are measured at 698 and 991 kg/m3, which are significantly lower vis-à-vis of river sand (1546 and 1728 kg/m3). Micro-analysis confirms dense, well-bonded particles with meso–macroporous connectivity, indicating enhanced mechanical stability and durability. Moreover, leaching and environmental risk analysis affirms that F-Slag sand poses no ecological threat. The outcome of the study, proposition of a novel construction material, elucidates that F-slag sand could be a potential substitute for river sand in building (concrete, mortar, plastering, lightweight structures), mining (mine backfilling) and environmental (drainage & filter) applications. |
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| Keywords: | F-Slag sand, geopolymer-assisted pelletization, artificial fine aggregates, fly ash-slag synergy, micro-meso scale characterization, disc pelletizer |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Publication date: | 10.03.2026 |
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| Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. [1-14] |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 16, article no. 12951 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-29765  |
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| UDC: | 620.1/.2 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2045-2322 |
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| DOI: | 10.1038/s41598-026-43476-x |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 271705603 |
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| Copyright: | © The Author(s) 2026 |
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| Publication date in DiRROS: | 23.06.2026 |
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| Views: | 171 |
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| Downloads: | 156 |
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