The efficient resource utilization of industrial solid wastes, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and coal gangue (CG), is essential for sustainable development. However, their activation commonly depends on expensive and corrosive chemical alkalis. This study proposes a solution by developing a fully waste-based cementitious material using calcium carbide slag (CS), another industrial residue, as an eco-friendly alkaline activator for the GGBS-CG system. The influence of CS dosage (0–20 wt%) on hydration evolution and mechanical properties was examined using uniaxial compression testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that a CS dosage of 10 wt% yielded the highest compressive strength, reaching 10.13 MPa—a 16.5% improvement compared to the 20 wt% group. This enhancement is ascribed to the formation of hydrotalcite (HT) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) gel, which densify the microstructure. In contrast, higher CS contents led to a passivation effect that restrained further reaction. This work offers a practical and theoretical basis for the development of low-carbon, multi-waste cementitious materials and presents a promising strategy for large-scale valorization of industrial solid wastes.

Gangue slurry pumping backfill offers a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution for coal mine solid waste disposal. Addressing the poor pumpability of pure gangue slurry, this study applied the Talbot gradation theory to a non-cemented gangue system by designing various particle size gradations and water-solid ratios (W/S). Through tests on rheological properties, slump, spread, and bleeding rate, the optimal proportion for pumpability of pure gangue slurry (PGS) within the scope of this study was determined. Tests were conducted on rheology, slump, spread flow, and bleeding rate to determine the optimal mix proportion for pumpability. The results show that: The slurry in this study demonstrates a strong correlation with the characteristics of a Bingham fluid. Its yield stress increases significantly as the W/S decreases. At a gradation index (n) of 0.4, particle packing is densest, resulting in the lowest yield stress. Slump and spread flow decrease with a lower W/S. They initially increase and then decrease as the gradation index increases, with optimal fluidity observed at n = 0.4. Bleeding rate increases with a higher gradation index but decreases with a lower W/S. Comprehensive optimization determined the optimal mix proportion as gradation index n = 0.4 and W/S of 0.18. At this ratio: Yield stress = 144.25 Pa, Slump = 255 mm, Spread flow = 60.1 cm, Bleeding rate = 2.21%. This meets the pumping requirements (Slump > 180 mm, Bleeding rate < 3%). The research results provide important experimental value for the practical pipeline transportation of PGS and the reduction in pumping friction resistance.

To improve fly ash utilization in mine grouting materials and address the slow reaction and limited early-age strength of fly ash-based binders, a fly ash-based grout was prepared using fly ash and S95-grade ground granulated blast-furnace slag at a mass ratio of 70:30 and activated with NaOH-Na₂SO₄. A full-factorial experiment evaluated the effects of water-to-solid ratio, total activator dosage, and NaOH:Na₂SO₄ on fluidity, bleeding rate, stone formation rate, and compressive strength at 7 and 28 d. Representative 7 d specimens were characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD. Increasing the water-to-solid ratio improved fluidity but increased the bleeding rate and reduced the stone formation rate and compressive strength. The preferred mixture had a water-to-solid ratio of 0.55, a total activator dosage of 5%, and NaOH:Na₂SO₄ = 2:1. It exhibited a fluidity of 195.0 mm, a bleeding rate of 1.70%, a stone formation rate of 99.50%, and compressive strengths of 8.5 MPa at 7 d and 11.3 MPa at 28 d. At NaOH:Na₂SO₄ = 2:1, the specimen showed a denser microstructure with fewer pores and cracks, a local Ca/Si ratio of approximately 0.94, and more evident reaction-product features. The results provide an experimental basis for mix-proportion selection of fly ash-based grouting materials.