Synthesis of alkali activated slag-asphalt emulsion composite

Abstract A novel alkali activated slag-asphalt emulsion composite was creatively synthesized in this work. Four mixing proportions were developed with the asphalt emulsion/alkali activated slag ratio ranging from 0.25 to 1. Attention is paid to the mixing stability of asphalt emulsion, for which two mixing procedures were compared. The evolution of density, mechanical strength and microstructure of synthesized composites were well characterized. Results show that both the density and mechanical behaviors of obtained composites decrease with the increase of asphalt content. The composites exhibit decent microstructure with interpenetrating network of alkali activated slag binder, asphalt film and aggregate. Compared with cement-asphalt emulsion composite, the alkali activated slag-asphalt emulsion composite possess comparable or even better mechanical performance, suggesting its great potential as sustainable alternative of cement-asphalt emulsion composite.