Effect of curing conditions on compressive strength of activated phosphorous slag

The rate of hydration and the resulting compressive strength and other properties of cements depend on the curing process. Hydration of cement continues for years at a decreasing rate as long as the mixture contains water and the temperature conditions are favorable. This paper reports result of a study conducted to investigate the effect of curing time and temperature on the compressive strength development of activated phosphorous slag (APHS). The mortars specimens were prepared with PHS 80% wt, Type II Portland cement 10% wt, and insoluble activator 10% wt. They were cured in lime-saturated water at temperatures of 25 ºC, 45 ºC, 65 ºC, and 85 ºC. The results show that the curing temperature and time have a significant influence on the compressive strength development of PHS.