Effect of curing temperature on setting time, strength development and microstructure of alkali activated slag cement

The effects of curing temperature on alkali activated slag cement (AAS) were investigated. The results indicate that the impact of the curing temperature is much more significant on the setting time of AAS than that of ordinary Portland cement. Curing at below normal temperature (∼7°C) greatly prolongs both the initial and final setting times, and also remarkably reduces the early age strength of AAS, whereas it will not lead to significant reduction in late age strengths. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant difference in microstructures of AAS pastes cured for 28 days, and the compactness of the paste structure increases greatly with the increasing of the curing temperature.