Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) and high-performance concrete (HPC) are examples of special concretes that have been developed as a result of the ongoing evolution of societal needs and the desire for alternatives to traditional concrete. This study investigates the potential of copper slag, a by-pro...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Martyna Nieświec, Paweł Niewiadomski, Łukasz Sadowski, Christof Schroefl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Materials & Design
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525003909
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850182835505201152
author Martyna Nieświec
Paweł Niewiadomski
Łukasz Sadowski
Christof Schroefl
author_facet Martyna Nieświec
Paweł Niewiadomski
Łukasz Sadowski
Christof Schroefl
author_sort Martyna Nieświec
collection DOAJ
description Self-compacting concrete (SCC) and high-performance concrete (HPC) are examples of special concretes that have been developed as a result of the ongoing evolution of societal needs and the desire for alternatives to traditional concrete. This study investigates the potential of copper slag, a by-product of copper smelting, as a sustainable component for SCC, HPC, and beyond, with a special focus on 3D printable mixtures and high-performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC). The study highlights current gaps in the literature. Little attention has been paid to potential copper slag’s function as a chemical/mineralogical active component in comparison to a wider application as a filler substitute in traditional cement-based composites. A thorough analysis outlines advantages and disadvantages of using copper slag, including improved strength and durability, lower water and natural material consumption, and environmental benefits. However, there are challenges indeed, including like its glassy particle surface, prolonged setting times, and enhanced risk of bleeding and segregation. Overall, copper slag still is a promising ingredient for high-performance and ecologically friendly concrete solutions because its benefits exceed its disadvantages. Future research should focus on optimizing the replacement of aggregates and binder components in HPSCC and 3D printable concrete to fully harness the material’s potential.
format Article
id doaj-art-0aefdf6c33d94316ade1629f3bc71e78
institution OA Journals
issn 0264-1275
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Elsevier
record_format Article
series Materials & Design
spelling doaj-art-0aefdf6c33d94316ade1629f3bc71e782025-08-20T02:17:33ZengElsevierMaterials & Design0264-12752025-05-0125311397010.1016/j.matdes.2025.113970Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applicationsMartyna Nieświec0Paweł Niewiadomski1Łukasz Sadowski2Christof Schroefl3Department of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland; Corresponding author.Department of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, PolandDepartment of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, PolandInstitute of Construction Materials, Technische Universitaet Dresden, Dresden, GermanySelf-compacting concrete (SCC) and high-performance concrete (HPC) are examples of special concretes that have been developed as a result of the ongoing evolution of societal needs and the desire for alternatives to traditional concrete. This study investigates the potential of copper slag, a by-product of copper smelting, as a sustainable component for SCC, HPC, and beyond, with a special focus on 3D printable mixtures and high-performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC). The study highlights current gaps in the literature. Little attention has been paid to potential copper slag’s function as a chemical/mineralogical active component in comparison to a wider application as a filler substitute in traditional cement-based composites. A thorough analysis outlines advantages and disadvantages of using copper slag, including improved strength and durability, lower water and natural material consumption, and environmental benefits. However, there are challenges indeed, including like its glassy particle surface, prolonged setting times, and enhanced risk of bleeding and segregation. Overall, copper slag still is a promising ingredient for high-performance and ecologically friendly concrete solutions because its benefits exceed its disadvantages. Future research should focus on optimizing the replacement of aggregates and binder components in HPSCC and 3D printable concrete to fully harness the material’s potential.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525003909Copper slagHigh performance concreteSelf-compacting concreteSustainable developmentAdditive manufacturing (3D printing)
spellingShingle Martyna Nieświec
Paweł Niewiadomski
Łukasz Sadowski
Christof Schroefl
Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
Materials & Design
Copper slag
High performance concrete
Self-compacting concrete
Sustainable development
Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
title Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
title_full Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
title_fullStr Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
title_full_unstemmed Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
title_short Waste copper slag in special concrete: Current research and future applications
title_sort waste copper slag in special concrete current research and future applications
topic Copper slag
High performance concrete
Self-compacting concrete
Sustainable development
Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525003909
work_keys_str_mv AT martynanieswiec wastecopperslaginspecialconcretecurrentresearchandfutureapplications
AT pawełniewiadomski wastecopperslaginspecialconcretecurrentresearchandfutureapplications
AT łukaszsadowski wastecopperslaginspecialconcretecurrentresearchandfutureapplications
AT christofschroefl wastecopperslaginspecialconcretecurrentresearchandfutureapplications