Utilization of Magnesium Residue to Prepare Composite Silicate Cement
Magnesium residue is a by-product that is generated when the magnesium alloy is produced. In the past, this product has been largely discarded and just been placed aside. As with other industrial by-products, the utilization of magnesium residue is of great importance for sustainable development, and as such, ways of using it as a construction material have been proposed. In particular, the use of magnesium residue to produce composite silicate cement-based materials has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This paper reviews the utilization of magnesium residue for composite silicate cement and discusses the challenges and outlook for future research.
The utilization of magnesium residue has been mainly based on its inert mineral constituents, magnesium oxide (MgO) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2). By first curing the magnesium residue with solution containing silicate ions and then mixing it with cementitious materials, such as portland cement, fly ash, and slag, a composite silicate cement (CSC) can be formed. This special cementitious material distinctive characteristics. It is superior in terms of compressive strength and its resistance to damage caused by acids, heat and water. These properties can be used to improve existing infrastructure and reduce costs through the use of fewer materials.
In addition to their superior performance, CSCs made with magnesium residue have low environmental impact. The production of CSCs from magnesium residue involves minimal waste generation. Moreover, the production process does not generate noxious by-products like chlorides, which can corrode steel structures and harm the environment. By using magnesium residue to produce CSCs, the burden of disposing of the residue is greatly reduced.
Although using magnesium residue for CSCs has significant advantages, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. For example, the difficulty of obtaining uniform particle size distribution in the magnesium residue is a major problem. The size of the particles influences the reactivity of the material and its ability to form adhesion with other molecules in the cementitious mixture. Furthermore, the curing process used to make the material durable can significantly reduce its reactivity, leading to lower strength values. Another challenge is the difficulty in controlling the amount of free MgO and Mg(OH)2 in the residue, which can significantly influence the properties of the CSCs.
Despite the challenges, the utilization of magnesium residue for composite silicate cement can have significant benefits. With further research and development, these materials can become a viable building material with widespread applications in infrastructure and civil engineering. With the right technologies and solutions, these materials can provide environmental and economic benefits as well as improved performance in buildings and other structures.
In conclusion, the utilization of magnesium residue to produce composite silicate cement has the potential to improve the performance of existing infrastructure and help reduce costs. However, further research is necessary to overcome the challenges associated with obtaining uniform particle size distribution and controlling the amount of MgO and Mg(OH)2 in the residue. With the right combination of technologies and materials, the production of these materials can be a viable and sustainable solution for using magnesium residue for construction.
