Design of Slag Cement, Activated by Na (K) Salts of Strong Acids, for Concrete Reinforced With Steel Fittings

This paper proposes a technique to prevent the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete based on slag cement (SC) activated by Na(K) salts of strong acids (SSA) in the composition of by-pass cement kiln dust (BP). The technique implies using additional modifiers in the form of the Portland cement CEM I 42,5 R and the calcium-aluminate admixture (CAA) С3А∙6H2O.<br><br>It is shown that adding the Portland cement contributes to enhancing the intensifying influence of BP on the SC hydration, accompanied by an increase in the strength of artificial stone. This effect is predetermined by the formation of hydrosilicates in hydration products with an increased crystallization degree in the form of CSH(I) and C2SH(A).<br><br>Modifying SC with CAA ensures the intensive formation of low-soluble AFm phases in the composition of hydration products, aimed at reliable binding the SSA anions (Cl-, SO42-) that are aggressive to steel reinforcement.<br><br>The study result has established the possibility to produce SC, activated by SSA, when using BP, the Portland cement, and CAA. Mathematical methods to plan the experiment were applied to produce an SC composition of "granulated blast furnace slag – BP – Portland cement – CAA", characterized by a strength class of 42.5 and a molar ratio of Cl-/OH- in a porous solution not exceeding 0.6. The resulting properties predetermine the feasibility of using SC in steel-reinforced concrete.<br><br>The relevance of this work is due to the modern trends in the development of the construction industry. The introduction of cement that contains mineral additives, in particular granulated blast furnace slag, contributes to improving the environment by reducing СО2 emission. The use of such cement as a base of steel-reinforced concrete ensures the increase in their functionality and durability.

prerequisite to use BP to activate GBFS in cement composition. In addition, there is a known benefit associated with the reduction of shrinkage deformations of SC when using, in addition to the alkaline activator, both BP [33] and SSA, which are the predominant ingredients of BP [34].
Consequently, the use of BP, which is a large-ton byproduct of the cement industry, as a source of SSA to improve the hydration activity of GBFS is a promising way of developing the construction industry, predetermined by a series of factors such as increasing the content of alkalic metal oxides in the Portland types of cement; transition to a dry production technique of the Portland cement clinker; using fillers containing active silica.
However, there are also shortcomings related to the slow hardening and insufficient strength of SC activated by SSA [27]. Paper [35] shows that the insufficient slag reaction capacity causes a corresponding reduction in the cement hydration products.
As a result, the required properties of SC are achieved only when using, as a base, a purely alkaline activator with the introduction of SSA in the form of, for example, sodium sulfate [36], or when using BP [37].
The above limits the market adoption and industrial application of the SC activated by SSA [27].
Thus, despite the validity of using SSA, including as part of BP, to activate the SC, there is an issue related to insufficient strength of the latter. This task is resolved by the additional involvement of activators in the form of "classical" compounds of alkaline metals. However, in this case, the very idea is compromised to use SSA to activate GBFS in order to ensure its respective technical advantages and set adequate market price for SC.
In addition, employing an SSA activating function in the form of chlorides and sulfates, in particular when using BP, limits the possibility of using CP in the steel-reinforced concrete. According to [38], there are two main processes that are combined during a corrosion attack on the steel reinforcement in concrete: a carbonation reaction and a spot (pitting) corrosion caused by chloride-ions. In turn, although sulfate-ions do not lead to the direct passivation of steel but determine the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), and are catalysts for the process of oxidation (carbonation) of hydrate new formations.
Consequently, the use of SSA, which, for example, are included in BP composition, to activate SC is related to the need to ensure sufficient strength of such cement. Another problematic issue is to counter the aggressive effects of the anionic residue of strong acids on steel reinforcement in concrete.

Literature review and problem statement
Doubts on the feasibility of solving the issue of SC strength by increasing the concentration of SSA are reasonably expressed in work [39]. It shows that the SSA concentration, such as Na 2 SO 4 , does not cause significant changes in the phase composition of hydrate new formations although it can affect the reactive capacity of slag [29]. In confirmation, study [40] demonstrates that the hardening of SC activated with Na 2 SO 4 proceeds even faster than that of the analog activated by Na 2 CO 3 , and, accordingly, possessing a much higher pH value. However, the hardening of SC activated with the specified salts in any case requires Granulated blast furnace slag (hereinafter referred to as GBFS) as a component of cement is most effectively activated by hydroxides and salts of alkali metals, which enable alkaline reaction of the aqueous medium at high concentration [10]. That forms a binding system known as the alkaline-activated slag cement. The alkaline activation of aluminosilicate raw materials is widely used in the production of modern building materials [11]. Concrete based on the alkaline-activated types of cement is characterized by the increased indicators of strength [12], heat resistance [13], corrosion resistance [14], sulfate resistance [15], frost resistance [16], water resistance [17], compared to analogs based on conventional clinker concrete. Along with the high performance properties, the alkaline-activated slag cement can be used as a base of decorative materials [18]. There are data on the effective disposal of radioactive waste [19], as well as wastewater [20], when making safe building materials based on the alkali-activated types of cement. The principles were proposed for the reasonable selection of modifying admixtures for different functional purposes for concrete based on the alkaline-activated types of cement (plasticizers [21], redispersion polymeric powders [22], aimed at reducing the deformities of shrinkage [23], expandable admixtures [24]). This explains the widespread use of the alkaline-activated slag types of cement in modern concrete and mortars.
At the same time, it is known that, in addition to substances that provide for a high pH value of the medium, GBFS can also be activated by weakly-alkaline [25] and almost neutral salts [26].
It is a relevant task to improve the efficiency of using, in the role of activators of the slag types of cement (hereinafter referred to as SC), the Na(K) salts of strong acids (hereinafter referred to as SSA), formed by strong alkalis (for example, NaOH or KOH) and strong acids. The technical advantages of this type of activation include the reduced alkalinity of a binder, the minimized risk of working with highly-alkaline materials, the cement manufacturability compared to purely alkaline-activated analogs [27]. The SC that are activated by SSA are also applicable as specialized binders for the encapsulation of radioactive metals [26] and nuclear waste [28,29].
Study [30] reported a mixed "alkaline-sulphate" type of activating the GBFS in cement composition. This technique involves the use of SSA together with compounds of alkalic metals, which are traditionally applied as alkaline activators [10]. This technique, first, provides for the relatively high pH values of the hydration environment, which ensures the preservation of the passive state of steel reinforcement. Second, favorable conditions are created for the formation of a larger AFt phase in the form of small-crystal ettringite. This fact determines the increase in cement strength, including early, the decrease in shrinkage deformations, and, consequently contributes to the durability of artificial stone.
An available source of SSA on an industrial scale is cement kiln dust (hereinafter referred to as BP), which forms in cement kilns when some of the gases rich in the salts of alkaline metals are released. This operation helps prevent the formation of a coating on kiln walls and reduce the content of compounds of alkaline metals in the clinker [31]. Typically, BP contains volatile substances such as sulfates and alkaline metals chlorides, raw material residues, and, partially, fired clinker [32]. A characteristic ingredient of BP is also free calcium oxide (CaO). BP aqueous extracts are characterized by high hydrogen indicator values (pH=13...14), which is a on the type of the activator, the W/C value, and the content of phases the type of C-S-H. Second, this indicator depends on the content of the starting phases of C 3 A and C 4 AF, from which the AFm phases form, including Friedel salt (3CaO•Al 2 O 3 •CaCl 2 •10H 2 O). The role of aluminum-containing phases in the hydration process is confirmed by the conclusions in [52], which shows that, for the case of an activator in the form of SSA, it is the slag component of cement that determines the additional ability to bind chlorine. The authors reasonably assumed that this is due to the transformation of the already formed ettringite (a phase of the AFt type) into phases of the AFm type. Ettringite and monosulfoaluminate are considered to be the basic hydration products of C 3 A in paper [53]. That gives grounds for considering C 3 A as a mineral additive for the modification of the SSA-activated SC based on BP.
It is also important to ensure a certain equilibrium within a binding system to enable the reliable binding of the anion part of SSA. As regards the diversity of AFm phases, work [54] shows that they may include different anions (Cl -, 2 4 SO , ). Depending on that, the AFm phases could be represented by monocarboaluminate, hemicarboaluminate, strathlingitis, hydroxy-AFm phase, monosulfoalluminate, etc. Work [55] shows the possibility of forming a nitrate AFm phase along with chloride and sulphate ones. At the same time, work [40] demonstrates the absence of ettringite and monosulfoaluminate in hydration products when Al 2 O 3 is lacking, even with a sufficient content within the binding system of compounds of alkaline-earth metals. The confirmation of this thesis indicates that the lack of C 3 A and C 4 AF in the system is generally an obstacle to the condensation of Friedel salt [56].
Another problematic issue is ensuring the stability of phases already formed during hydration with the aggressive ions bound in them, engaged from SSA. For example, in AFm phases, it is possible to replace chlorine with carbonate groups, as described in work [57]. Another example is the results reported in [58], which show that the stability of bound chlorine is also sensitive to the action of SSA in the form of Na 2 SO 4 . Under conditions of a sulfate attack, there is a risk of chlorine transition from a bound state into a free state in the bond and its substitution with a sulfate ion at Friedel salt decomposition. The monosulfoaluminate (AFm phase) that forms during an ion exchange between Cland 2 4 SO , − could then turn into ettringite (AFt phase). This, in turn, could cause the danger of secondary ettringite formation in artificial stone.
In this regard, study [59] shows that building mortars based on SC activated by Ca(OH) 2 demonstrate higher corrosion resistance than the analogs that were activated, for example, by alkalis (KOH, NaOH). The authors associate it with the formation of an unstable phase of Ca(OCl) 2 and the appropriate removal of free chlorine from the porous fluid. Given a known additional activation and the participation of the slag component in the creation of new formations capable of binding anions, the use of calcium additives to modify the SSA-activated SC is a promising way to stabilize hydrate new formations.
Consequently, our analysis of the scientific literature reveals the need to ensure that the SC activated by SSA should include the required content of starting phases and compounds involved in the formation of AFt and AFm phases in the products of new formations during hydration. This technique corresponds to modern approaches applied in materials scien-more time than when using sodium silicates. This can be explained by the fact that, first, the high content of alkaline metal compounds does not necessarily define the high pH values of a porous solution, as, for example, it is emphasized in work [39]. Second, sodium silicates are characterized by greater activation capacity relative to GBFS [41].
A different approach, and a more effective one according to [42], implies, rather than increasing the concentration of SSA, increasing the thinness of the grinding of the slag component of cement. This technique could improve the strength of SC, including early, without increasing the pH values. However, increasing the fraction of GBFS grinding could become an unnecessarily energy-consuming and economically inappropriate way to increase the SC strength [43].
An alternative worth considering is the activation of GBFS not only by the compounds of alkali metals. Thus, the authors of [39] indicate that the strength of SC depends primarily on the content of reactive phases, including lime and clinker phases, if BP is to be a source of SSA. This is confirmed by the formation of calcium hydroaluminates and hydrosilicates in the hydration products of the SSA-activated SC based on BP. Work [42] also reported the phases of lowbase CSH (I) calcium hydrosilicates as the basic hydration products of SC activated by SSA. Studies [44,45] note that the issue related to low cement strength is associated with a low Ca/Si ratio in the specified phases. The expediency of an additional calcium activation of slag in the composition of the alkaline-activated SC was confirmed as a way to improve strength when using the additives of lime [46] or the Portland cement [34].
As regards resolving the issue of counteracting the aggressive influence of the anionic residue of SSA ( ) 2 4 Cl , SO − − on steel reinforcement, work [47] demonstrates the greater impact of GBFS on the binding capacity of the system than that of the clinker component. It is shown that when the content of the slag component increases, the concentration of free chlorine decreases while the value of the critical chlorine content (C crit ) increases. That indicates that the content of Clions, bound in AFm phases, is higher than the amount absorbed by calcium hydrosilicates. Study [48] explains that when the content of the slag component in SC increases, the formation of AFm phases increases because it is associated with an Al 2 O 3 content in the system. Within the context of the impact of the composition of SC hydration products on the binding of the anionic component of SSA, paper [42] revealed the formation of a significant volume of AFt phase in the form of ettringite. One would assume that this phase is crucial not only for resolving the issue of SC strength, especially at an early age, but also for determining the chemical binding of free anions of 2 4 SO , − Cl -, 2 3 CO , − etc. However, life is not that simple. Thus, on the one hand, the ability to bind Clions by such phases gradually decreases with an increase in the content of 2 4 SO , − ions as shown in work [48]. This effect is explained in work [49] by the fact that sulfate reduces the binding of chlorine in the C-S-H and AFm phases. This is due to the ability of hydrosilicates to replace chlorine ions with sulfate-ions and a partial conversion of AFm phases into AFt phases (ettringite). On the other hand, paper [50] revealed a larger stabilization of the AFm phase (Al 2 O 3 -Fe 2 O 3 -mono) compared to ettringite due to the increased hydration medium alkalinity.
In this regard, the result reported in [51] is promising; it shows that the amount of bound chlorine (P cb ) depends ce [60] and is reasonable to counteract the aggressive effects of the anionic residue of strong acids on steel reinforcement in concrete. It could be assumed that the advantage in the formation of these phases would depend both on the composition and content of SSA and the composition (alkalinity) of the cement matrix, the morphology of hydrate new formations, and the transporting properties of the structure of concrete in general.
The generalization of the above results makes it possible to predict the prospects for using SSA to activate the hydraulic properties of GBFS to produce SC. In practical terms, BP could be considered as a source of SSA. It could be predicted that to ensure the strength of SC and its safe use in reinforced concrete, it is advisable to use modifiers. Such modifiers should provide additional calcium activation of GBFS and the formation of phases capable of reliable binding of SSA anions, aggressive against steel reinforcement. This renders relevance to investigating the SC activated by SSA in the BP composition as a base of the steel-reinforced concrete.

The aim and objectives of the study
The aim of this study is to devise an effective technique to prevent the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete based on SC, activated by SSA in the BP composition.
To accomplish the aim, the following tasks have been set: -to investigate the impact of SSA in the BP composition on the activation of GBFS and the structure formation of SC; -to examine the impact of the Portland cement admixture on the structure formation of SC activated by BP; -to study the effectiveness of binding chlorine in the BP composition by a calcium-aluminate admixture (hereinafter referred to as CAA) to the AFm phase as part of the SC hydration products; -to determine the optimal region of SC formulations for the composition "GBFS -BP -SC -CAA", suitable for use in reinforced concrete, and to study patterns of their structure formation.
The chemical composition of raw materials is given in Table 1.
The examined SC was prepared by the dry mixing of components.
Standard CEN sand according to EN 196-1 was used as a small filler in the study of strength evolution.
The solvent mixtures were mixed with water at the laboratory blade mixer HOBART.

2. Methods to study the effectiveness of modifying admixtures on the SC properties
The cement stone microstructure evolution was investigated by the following methods of physical-chemical analysis: differential-thermal (DTA) -at the derivatograph by R. Paulik, I. Paulik, L. Erdey made by IOM (Budapest, Hungary); probe analysis -at the raster electron microscope-microanalyzer REMMA 102-02 (made by OAO "SELMI", Sumy, Ukraine).
In order to assess the degree of the chemical and adsorption binding of chlorine in BP by hydrate new formations, we performed a chemical analysis of the porous solution of hydrated samples of SC according to a procedure given in [61]. To carry out a chemical analysis of the porous fluid, the SC samples were mixed with distilled water at W/C=0.5. The resulting slurry was stored over the required period at a temperature of 20 °C in sealed plastic cylinders. Porous liquid was obtained by pressing at a maximum pressure of 375 MPa. The porous solution was taken during pressing into plastic flasks, which were then sealed. The chemical analysis of porous solutions was performed at the ISC-OES optical emission spectrometer.
Normal consistency of cement pastes (NC) and setting time were determined according to DSTU B V.2.7-185:2009.
The SC compositions were optimized by applying mathematical methods of planning the experiment.

1. The activation of granulated blast furnace slag by cement kiln dust
We have investigated the influence of BP content on the SC activity of the "GBFS -BP" composition in order to de-  Fig. 1, the content of BP involved in the processes of structure formation increases with the extension of the hardening period of SC. Thus, on day 2 of hardening, the maximum activity is achieved at a BP content in the amount of 10.0 % by weight (hereinafter, %). This effect could be due to the timestretched processes of interaction of SC components as a result of the high density of the aluminosilicate phase of the slag. In this regard, the role of BP as an SC intensifying component should be considered taking into consideration the time factor. The patterns in the SC structure formation of the "GBFS -BP" composition, characterized by maximum strength, are investigated using DTA (Fig. 2), electron microscopy ( Fig. 3, a, 4, a), and a probe analysis (Fig. 3, b, 4, b). According to DTA, the strength formation in the artificial stone of the hydrated SC of the "GBFS -BP" composition on day 2 of hardening is due to the formation of low-base calcium hydrosilicates of the structure CSH(I). The formation of these phases is due to the endoeffects at t=165 and 350 °C (dehydration) and exoeffect at t=860 °C (crystallization into wollastonite) (Fig. 2, curve 1).
The presence of AFm phases in the form of Friedel salt 3CaO•Al 2 O 3 •CaCl 2 •10H 2 O (endoeffect at t=165 °C -dehydration; exoeffect at t=725 °C -decomposition) and calcium hydrosulfoaluminate 3CaO•Al 2 O 3 •CaSO 4 •12H 2 O (endoeffect at t=165 °C -dehydration; exoeffect at t=800 °C) indicates the involvement of the ions of BP salts in the processes of structure formation. In addition, in the compositions of hydration products, we identified arcanite K 2 SO 4 (endoeffect at t=700 °C -re-crystallization) and sylvite KCl (endoeffect at t=745 °С -melting). The presence of the specified salts in the phase composition of the hydrated stone indicates their insufficient involvement in the structure formation process, which adversely affects the activity of SC.
In addition to these phases, in the products of hydration we identified unbound portlandite Сa(OH) 2 (endoeffect at t=565 °C -dehydration and transition to CaO).
Hardening for 28 days is accompanied by an increase in the degree of crystallization of hydrosilicates CSH(I) and AFm phases (Friedel salt, calcium hydrosulfoaluminate), as evidenced by the displacement of the endo-and exoeffects towards the region of elevated temperatures (Fig. 2, curve 2).
An analysis of the electron microphotographs of an artificial stone chip's surface and data from the probe analysis of hydrated SC of the "GBFS -BP" composition confirms the creation of new formations identified by DTA (Fig. 3, 4). According to the probe analysis data (Fig. 3, b), we registered, on day 2 of hardening, in the SC hydration products the formation of the "embryos" of Friedel salt (content, %: CaO -35.14, Al 2 O 3 -18.34, Сl -15.45) and calcium hydrosulfoaluminate (content, %: CaO -37.28, Al 2 O 3 -15.72, SO 3 -12.49) in the form of needle-shaped new formations (Fig. 3, a). On day 28, there is a re-crystallization of the "embryos" into hexagonal thin-plate crystals of the AFm phases (Fig. 4, a, b).  Table 2 Setting time of SC of the "GBFS -BP" composition In this case, the low intensity of new formations' creation in the initial hydration periods of SC determines the timestretched hardening period (Table 2) and unacceptably low absolute values of strength (Fig. 1). This could be explained both by insufficient activity of the slag component of the SC and by the excess content of soluble salts (primarily chloride and potassium sulfate) in cement stone.
To improve the SC activity, the Portland cement (PC) admixture (PC) is involved in the system.

2. The structure formation of slag cement of the "granulated blast furnace slag -cement kiln dust -Portland cement" composition
We have investigated the impact of a PC additive on the strength of SC activated by SSA in the BP composition. The ratio of GBFS:BP in the SC composition ranged from 80:20 to 50:50. PC content varied from 11.0 to 17.0 %. The ratio of the components in the SC composition is given in Table 3.
It is determined that the maximum strength corresponding to class 32,5, in accordance with EN 197-1, is demonstrated by SC at a ratio of SC:BP of 80:20 (Fig. 5).
Our results determine the feasibility of the further search for the formulation solutions for SC towards reducing the content of PC from 17.0 to 7.5 % at a ratio of GBFS:BP of 80:20. To this end, the influence of the PC supplement on the terms of hardening (Table 4) and the SC strength (Fig. 6) was investigated. Table 3 The ratio of components in SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition Our results demonstrate the lack of proportional dependence of the SC activity on the content of PC. The greatest strength characterizes the SC with a PC content of 13.5 %, which corresponds to class 32.5: compression strength on day 2 and 28 is 9.6 and 29.1 MPa, respectively. It is obvious that the optimal ratio of components in SC determines its non-additive properties for strength. The analysis of the terms of hardening (Table 3) confirms this conclusion.
The methods of a physical-chemical analysis ( Fig. 7-9) were applied to study the patterns of structure formation of SC of the "GBFS -BP -SC" composition, characterized by the greatest strength. According to the results from DTA, we identified in the products of SC hydration, on day 2 (Fig. 7, curve 1), the low-base calcium hydrosilicates of the structure CSH(I). This is confirmed by the endoeffects at t=165 and 350 °C (dehydration) and exoeffect at t=860 °C (re-crystallization into wollastonite). In addition, the formation of hydrosilicates of the C 2 SH(A) structure (endoeffects at 420 and 480 °C) was registered. Thus, the increase in the strength of SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition, compared to the composition of "GBFS -BP", is caused by a greater content of calcium hydrosilicates (CSH(I), C 2 SH(A)) in the products of hydration.
In addition, we registered in the products of SC hydration Friedel salt (endoeffect at t=165 °C -dehydration; exoeffect at t=725 °C -decomposition) and calcium hydrosulfoaluminate (endoeffect at t=165 °C -dehydration; exoeffect at t=800 °С). The endoeffect at t=565 °C indicates the presence of the unbound portlandite Са(ОН) 2 in the system. The exoeffects at t=700 and 745 °C indicate the presence of salts in the hydration products that have not fully participated in the structure formation of SC -arcanite K 2 SO 4 and sylvite KCl, respectively. Table 4 Setting time of SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition On day 28 of SC hardening, we registered an increase in the degree of crystallization of hydrosilicates and AFm phases (Friedel salt, calcium hydrosulfoaluminate), which is confirmed by the displacement of the corresponding endo-and exoeffects towards the region of elevated temperatures (Fig. 7, curve 2).
The electron microphotographs of the stone chip's surface and the data from a probe analysis complement the idea of the structure formation of SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition. Thus, the addition of PC admixture to the SC composition ensures the increased content of Friedel salt on day 2 in the form of the already formed hexagonal plates (Fig. 8, a). The formation of Friedel salt in the hydration products is confirmed by the probe analysis data (content, %: CaO -37.23, Al 2 O 3 -19.87, Сl -17.38) (Fig. 8, b).  (Fig. 9, a, b). DTA data confirm an increase in the degree of crystallization of AFm phases when adding PC to the SC composition (Fig. 6). The explanation for such an evolution of the structure formation of SC may be the intensification of the involvement of portlandite Са(ОН) 2 in the composition of hydrate new formations. It is known that the main criteria for assessing the suitability of SC for use in steel-reinforced concrete include, in addition to activity, the content of free chlorine in a porous solution of hydrated SC. The content of chlorine-containing salts determines the need to substantiate BP in the SC composition, which ensures the preservation of the passive state of the reinforcement.
The absence of conditions for reinforcement depassivation is ensured at the molar ratio Cl -/OH -≤0.6 in the porous solution. However, the ratio of Cl -/OH --in the porous solution of hydrated SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition is 9.83. Reducing the content of free chlorine in an SC porous mortar is possible by its chemical or adsorption binding.

3. The kinetics of Friedel salt formation when modifying slag cement by a calcium-aluminate admixture
For the accelerated formation of AFm phases, represented by the system of complex salts 3CaO•Al 2  We have investigated the effect of the Cl/Al molar ratio on the degree of chlorine binding as part of SC hydration products. The study was conducted on the model system "BP -CAA" (Table 5). In this system, BP determines the main content of chlorine, CAA -the main content of reactive (at the initial stage of hydration) alumina in the SC composition. Table 5 Component content in the model system The results of our study after 7 days of hydration of the model systems are shown in Fig. 10. The results suggest that the optimal molar ratio is Cl/Al=1, which corresponds to the stochiometric calculation of the Friedel salt formation reaction. This ratio between the Cl and Al ions corresponds to the content of 53.1 % of BP and 47.0 % of CAA in the model system's composition (BP:CAA=1.13).
The low absolute values of the degree of binding of chlorine with a sufficient content of С 3 А to implement the process are explained by the different crystallization kinetics of portlandite (Ca(OH) 2 ) and Friedel salt. Thus, the analysis of the BP heat production curve during hydration (Fig. 11)  ions determines the formation of H 2 S and, consequently, the high intensity of system's carbonation. This scheme of the process explains the slower formation of Friedel salt given a known priority of Clions over OHions. The analysis of the Friedel salt formation kinetics in the model system under the influence of СО 2 from the air and in its absence (Fig. 12) confirms our results. The greatest intensity of Friedel salt formation was registered over the first 48 hours of hardening both in the absence of СО 2 influence (Fig. 12, a) and under its influence (Fig. 12, b). However, while in the absence of СО 2 effect we observed salt formation during the entire period of hardening, then under the СО 2 influence most salt could form only during the initial stages of hardening. This is due to a significant slowdown in Friedel salt formation under conditions of influence exerted by СО 2 from the air, especially given the catalysis function of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in carbonation. Consequently, the formation duration of portlandite Са(ОН) 2 in the hydration of the model system "BP -CAA" and its transition to calcite determine the intensity of Friedel salt formation under the influence of CO 2 . Sealing the structure of the material when using surface-active substances (hereinafter referred to as SAS) that performing a water-reducing function is a solution to prevent the development of carbonization [62]. The use of organic compounds is a priority direction in the manufacturing technology of various building materials, both concrete and wood-based [63], reed-based [64] ones, etc.
The technique of compacting the structure of concrete is also the use of a complex of salts CaCl 2 , NaNO 3 , and Na 2 SO 4 , which helps increase the water resistance of the material by clogging the pores by the formed crystal hydrates [65].
The SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC -CAA" composition could be suggested as a base for reinforced concrete given its sufficiently high activity and the possibility of binding chlorine into Friedel salt. The SC activity is ensured by joint activation of GBFS with the BP and PC admixtures. Binding of chlorine into Friedel salt is implemented due to the modifying function of CAA.

4.
The structure formation of slag cement of the "granulated blast furnace slag -cement kiln dust -Portland cement -calcium-aluminate admixture" composition By using a method of methodical planning of the experiment, we have determined the region of formulations for SC of the "GBFS -BP -SC -CAA" composition, suitable for use in concrete. The SC formulations were optimized according to the simplex plan of the experiment.
Taking into consideration our results (Fig. 10), we accepted for the studied SC the ratio BP:CAA=1.13 to be a constant.
The following variable factors were adopted: Х 1 -the content of GBFS in the composition of SC, 66...100 %; Х 2 -the content of PC in the SC composition, 0.0...34.0 %; Х 3 -the total content of BP and CAA in the SC composition, 0.0...26.0 %.
The following starting criterion were selected: the molar ratio of Cl -/OHon day 2 and 28 of hardening; the compression strength of SC on day 2, 7, and 28 of hardening.
Based on the optimization results, we have determined the optimal region of SC of the "GBFS -BP -SC -CAA" composition (shaded) (Fig. 13). The specified region is defined by the boundaries given in Table 6. The SC within the optimized composition region is characterized by strength class 42.5 according to EN 197-1 while providing for a molar ratio of Cl -/OHwithin 0.6.
To study patterns in the structure formation of SC of the "GBFS -BP -SC -CAA" composition, the methods of physical-chemical analysis was used to select a composition from the specified optimal region of formulations, %: GBFS -66, PC -26, BP -4.2, CAA -3.8. The resulting correlation between GBFS and PC matches, in accordance with DSTU B V.2.7-46, the slag Portland cement SPC ІІІ/B. However, uncertainty about the exact content of GBFS and PC due to significant variation does not make it possible to use SPC ІІІ/B as an SC ingredient. In addition, there is a risk of unwanted changes in the morphology and destabilization of hydrate phases, which is associated with the removal of gypsum from the process of cement structure formation during the initial hydration period as a result of exchanging reactions with compounds of alkaline metals [66].
According to the results from DTA (Fig. 14, curve 1), the products of SC hydration on day 2 of hardening are represented by the same new formations as the SC of the "GBFS -BP -PC" composition. The patterns of structure formation include the increased crystallization degree of low-base calcium hydrosilicates CSH(I), which is confirmed by shifting the endoeffects (t=175 and 320 °C) and exoeffect (t=865 °C) towards the region of high temperatures. In addition, we have observed an increase in the degree of crystallization of calcium hydrosilicates of the structure C 2 SH(A), as evidenced by the displacement of endoeffects from 420 to 430 °C and from 480 to 490 °C. This effect causes an increase in the strength of artificial stone when introducing CAA to the SC composition.
The AFm phases, identified in the hydration products in the form of Friedel salt and calcium hydrosulfoaluminate, are also characterized by the increased degree of crystallization after 48 hours of hardening when adding a CAA admixture. This is confirmed by the displacement of the endoeffect (t=175 °C) and exoeffects (t=745 °C and 800 °C, respectively).
Over 28 days of hardening there is a natural increase in the degree of crystallization of the identified hydrate new formations, which is registered by the displacement of the corresponding endoeffects and exoeffects towards the region of elevated temperatures (Fig. 14, curve 2). Portlandite Ca(OH) 2 , identified on day 2 of hardening (endoeffect at t=565 °C) (Fig. 14, curve 1), is not observed in the hardening products on day 28 (Fig. 14, curve 2). This indicates a complete binding of portlandite into other hydration products: hydrosilicates CSH(I), C 2 SH(A), and AFm phases.  (Fig. 15, a, b) in the form of conglomerates from hexagonal plates, indicating the greater content and degree of crystallization of new formations when adding CAA to SC. This is confirmed by the presence of crystals in the form of hexagonal plates of much larger size compared to that on day 2 (Fig. 16, a, b). Our results demonstrate the intensification of the formation of AFm phases when introducing CAA into the SC composition.
The established patterns of the structure formation of SC with the optimized composition predetermine the formation of properties necessary for use in steel-reinforced concrete. The required strength is ensured by forming calcium hydrosilicates (CSH(I), C 2 SH(A)) with a high degree of crystallization in the products of hydration. The content of free chloride-and sulfate-ions is minimized in the porous mortar of hydrated SC in order to prevent corrosion of reinforcement in concrete due to its effective binding by AFm phases, whose formation intensity is predetermined by the introduction of CAA into cement composition.

Discussing the study results of devising the slag cement activated by Na(K) salts of strong acids
The study result has made it possible to produce the slag cement activated by SSA, characterized by strength class 42.5 and a value of Cl -/OHin a porous mortar within 0.6. The resulting properties predetermine the possibility of using such SC in steel-reinforced concrete.
The formation of the specified characteristics is due to the compatible influence of the modifying admixtures of BP, PC, and CAA on the SC structure formation.
The hydraulic properties of GBFS are activated under the influence of strong alkali NaOH formed from an exchange reaction [27]: where R is an alkaline metal ion (Na + , K + ). The alkali is involved in the destruction of the slag glass, thereby forming at the surface of the GBFS particles a thin gel-like layer, which consists of silicic acid. As a result of the interaction of the calcium component of the slag with silicic acid, calcium hydrosilicates are formed, which provided for the strength properties of artificial stone [10]: The chlorides and calcium sulfates, formed from exchange reaction (1) However, potassium chlorides and potassium sulfates in the BP composition are not fully involved in the formation of AFm phases, remaining in the form of ballast. The insufficient activation of GBFS in combination with the presence of the excess content of SSA determines the insufficient strength of SC of the system "GBFS -BP". This predetermines the feasibility of using additional modifying admixtures in the form of PC and CAA in the SC composition.
Modifying SC with a PC admixture makes it possible to enhance the activating effect of SSA on the slag component (calcium activation). Activating the aluminosilicate glass-like component of GBFS using Ca(OH) 2 , which is a product of the Portland cement hydration, contributes to the intensification of formation in the composition of the hydration products of SC of calcium hydrosilicates in the form of CSH(I) and C 2 SH(A). Increasing the degree of crystallization of hydrosilicates as part of the hydration products predetermines a significant increase in the strength of artificial stone.
In addition, the indicator that defines the suitability of using SC in reinforced concrete is the content of free chlorine in the porous mortar of cement. A value of this indicator depends on the content of chloride in the BP composition, which is reflected in the development of SC structure formation.
Thus, in the initial period of SC hydration prior to the crystallization of portlandite, there is the following reaction: The onset of this process is determined by the dissolution of KCl in the BP composition. CaCl 2 calcium chloride forms with portlandite Ca(OH) 2 a complex compound Ca(OH) 2 × ×CaCl 2 •2H 2 O while the alkaline metal ions increase the pH of the porous solution. During hydration, there is a surface dissolution of Ca(OH) 2 •CaCl 2 •2H 2 O due to the less solubility of portlandite compared to calcium chloride. As a result, there is the crystallization of portlandite and the migration of chlorine ions into a porous solution.
The increased content of potassium chloride in the BP composition causes too high a molar ratio of Cl -/OHin a porous solution, 9.83. However, it is known that the absence of conditions for reinforcement passivation is ensured at the values of the specified indicator not exceeding 0.6.
In order to reduce the content of free chlorine in the SC porous mortar, we propose the introduction of CAA admix- Consequently, the role of CAA is to intensify the formation of Friedel salt. It is shown that the kinetic of the formation of Friedel salt is determined by the intensity of the portlandite crystallization process and its subsequent transition into calcite. Under the conditions of carbonization, the re-crystallization of 3CaO  [27].
Thus, the discrepancy between the kinetics of portlandite crystallization (~3 hours) and Friedel salt (4-5 days) determines the role of CAA in the intensification of the formation of the AFm phase at the initial stage of SC structure formation.
As a solution to counteract the slow formation of Friedel salt under the influence of carbon dioxide, the use of SAS is proposed as additives that contribute to the compaction of the material's structure.
Thus, a practical component of our study is the increased hydration activity of SC when using BP as a structure-forming component, which is a large-ton byproduct of cement production, as a source of SSA. Effective disposal of industrial by-products (GBFS, BP) with a reduction of СО 2 emission in cement production matches the concept of sustainable development.
The SSA-activated SC, produced as a result of our study, could be used as a base of steel-reinforced concrete. The prospects for this type of GBFS activation and its advantages compared to purely alkali activation are given in work [27]. Thus, the use of SSA as GBFS activators provides for a decrease in the alkalinity of the binder, the minimization of risks of handling high-alkaline materials, as well as the manufacturability of cement. A special feature of the proposed type of activation, implemented in this work, is to use the industrial waste BP as an activator to be a source of SSA, as opposed to chemical compounds [27]. This approach corresponds to the modern trends in the development of the construction industry in terms of responsible attitude to the environment by recycling industrial waste.
However, despite the intensifying effect of the action, the excess content of the anionic component of SSA as part of the SC hydration products could contribute to the evolution of corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. Thus, the SC of the system "GBFS -BP -PC", whose content of BP is 17.5 %, is characterized by the maximum compression strength indicators of 9.6 and 29.1 MPa on day 2 and 28, respectively. However, the ratio of Cl -/OHin the porous mortar of the hydrated SC of this composition is 9.83. In this case, the absence of conditions for reinforcement depassivation is ensured when a value of the ratio is Cl -/OH -≤0.6. This circumstance predetermines a decrease in the content of BP in the SC composition and requires the introduction of an additional modifying component -CAA. This limitation was taken into consideration when preparing the optimal composition of SC using mathematical methods to plan the experiment. The resulting SC composition with the content of BP reduced to 4.2 % is characterized by properties suitable for steel-reinforced concrete.
Our study has not addressed preventing the slow formation of Friedel salt under the influence of СО 2 by compacting the structure of the material when using SAS performing a water-reducing function. This predetermines the prospects for further research into the choice of an effective SAS for concrete based on the devised SC. The relevance of this research area is due to the loss of efficiency by most SAS in the hydration environment of alkali-activated binding systems. Undertaking research in the proposed area would advance those studies that propose the principles of reasonable choice of SAS for different functional purposes (plasticizers [21], redispersing polymeric powders [22], etc.) for alkaline-activated systems.
Another promising field to advance our study is the search for and approbation of other industrial waste and by-products, which are the source of SSA, and are suitable for activating SC. 2. It was found that modifying slag cement by an additional component in the form of the Portland cement leads to a significant increase in strength due to the formation of hydrosilicates (CSH(I), C 2 SH(A)) in the hydration products' composition with an increased degree of crystallization. It is shown that the greatest strength of SC of the system "GBFS -BP -PC" is provided at a PC content of 13.5 % and corresponds to class 32.5. The defined ratio of Cl -/OHin the porous mortar of hydrated SC (9.83) predetermines the evolution of the process of depassivating the steel reinforcement in concrete.
3. The role of CAA in the intensification of binding the anions of strong acid salts ( ) 2 4 Cl ,SO Cl ,SO − − into AFm phases in the composition of hydration products has been confirmed. We have shown an increase in the content and degree of crystallization of the AFm phases (Friedel salt, calcium hydrosulfoaluminate) when adding CAA to the SC composition. The slowing effect of СО 2 from the air on the process of formation of Friedel salt has been established, which predetermines the relevance of taking measures to compact the structure of the material through the use of SAS additives.
4. Mathematical methods to plan the experiment were applied to establish the optimal formulation of SC activated by SSA when using BP, PC, and CAA. The optimized SC compositions are characterized by strength class 42.5 and the Cl -/OH -<0.6 ratio in a porous mortar, predetermining their suitability for use as a base for steel-reinforced concrete.