Open Access Conference Proceedings

Light scattering techniques represent a group of methods providing the absolute information on the molecular weight, particle size, conformation, polydispersity and the stability of analyzed dispersion systems. These techniques are primarily used for the characterization of biopolymers, synthetic polymers and nanoparticles. The utilization in the area of alkali-activated materials based on blast furnace slag is more challenging, mainly due to their highly alkaline nature and also due to the generally used high content of solid fractions dispersed in liquid media. This contribution was focused either on the optimization of sample preparation as well as on the definition of the optimal setting of measuring parameters to be able to properly use the electrophoretic light scattering (Zetasizer Nano ZS; Malvern Panalytical Ltd.) for the description of the stability of these complex samples. For these purposes, we studied dispersion systems of blast furnace slag in activating solutions (sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium silicate). The obtained zeta potential provided crucial insight into the individual sample stability. The results are indicating that the proper technique of sample dispersion and the maintenance of the precise content and ratios of individual components represent important parameters managing the stability of alkali-activated materials based on blast furnace slag.

Keywords: Alkali-activated materials, blast furnace slag, conductivity, stability, zeta potential

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