Lithium Slag as a Supplementary Cementitious Material for Sustainable Concrete: A Review

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Abstract

The global cement industry remains a significant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, prompting substantial research efforts toward sustainable construction materials. Lithium slag (LS), a by-product of lithium extraction, has attracted attention as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This review synthesizes experimental findings on LS replacement levels, fresh-state behavior, mechanical performance (compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths), time-dependent deformation (shrinkage and creep), and durability (sulfate, acid, abrasion, thermal) of LS-modified concretes. Statistical analysis identifies an optimal LS dosage of 20–30 % (average 24 %) for maximizing compressive strength and long-term durability, with 40 % as a practical upper limit for tensile and flexural performance. Fresh-state tests show that workability losses at high LS contents can be mitigated via superplasticizers. Drying shrinkage and creep strains decrease in a dose-dependent manner up to 30 % LS. High-volume (40 %) LS blends achieve up to an 18 % gain in 180-day compressive strength and > 30 % reductions in permeability metrics. Under elevated temperatures, 20 % LS mixes retain up to 50 % more residual strength than controls. In advanced systems—autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), one-part geopolymers, and recycled-aggregate composites—LS further enhances both microstructural densification and durability. In particular, LS emerges as a versatile SCM that optimizes mechanical and durability performance, supports material circularity, and reduces carbon footprint.

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