Blast Furnace Slag Binder with Solid Silicate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing binder systems for construction materials, particularly those using blast furnace slag, face limitations in achieving high early strength and resistance to acids, bases, and water, especially when activated with aqueous alkali metal silicates.

Innovation Solution

The use of solid alkali metal silicates with empirical formula m SiO2.n M2O, where M is Li, Na, or K, co-ground with blast furnace slag to form an inorganic binder system, which improves mechanical properties and resistance through the formation of seed crystals, and can be further enhanced with additional inorganic binders and additives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If aqueous alkali metal silicates are used to activate blast furnace slag, then early strength can be achieved, but resistance to acids, bases and water is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly strengthVSAvoidresistance to acids, bases and water
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the alkali metal silicate from aqueous to solid form. This parameter change fundamentally alters the activation mechanism, enabling the formation of a hybrid matrix structure that simultaneously achieves early strength and improved chemical resistance without the limitations of aqueous solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder system combining solid alkali metal silicate with blast furnace slag. This composite approach produces a hybrid matrix structure that integrates the advantages of both materials, achieving both early strength development and enhanced resistance to acids, bases and water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If solid alkali metal silicates with high modulus are used, then activation of blast furnace slag is achieved, but mechanical properties and chemical resistance need improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties and chemical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by co-grinding the solid alkali metal silicate with blast furnace slag before use. This pre-processing step creates a intimately mixed composite powder that ensures uniform distribution and optimal contact between components, enabling effective activation and formation of the hybrid matrix structure with improved mechanical and chemical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The inorganic binder system exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and improved resistance to acids, bases, and water, with increased durability and performance in construction materials, including concrete and mortars.

Implementation Method 1

it is believed that the activation of blast furnace slag with solid alkali metal silicates is due to the formation of seed crystals when co-grinding the solid alkali metal silicates with the blast furnace slag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS11873262B2Inorganic binder system comprising blast furnace slag and solid alkali metal silicate
Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

The present invention relates to an inorganic binder system comprising blast furnace slag, and at least one solid alkali metal silicate, wherein the inorganic binder system is obtainable by co-grinding a mixture comprising the blast furnace slag and the at least one solid alkali metal silicate.