The effect of desulfurization manganese residue powder on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete: A comprehensive study

To address resource depletion and environmental pollution stemming from industrialization, this study investigated the feasibility of utilizing desulfurized manganese residue powder (DMRP) as a cement-replacing mineral admixture in concrete, aiming to achieve resource utilization of industrial solid waste and ecological protection. Employing both single mixing DMRP and its compound mixing with fly ash, we prepared five concrete mixtures with varying DMRP contents. Comprehensive testing was conducted, including slump, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, drying shrinkage, chloride ion penetration resistance, accelerated carbonation, and heavy metal leaching, to evaluate the impact of DMRP content and mixing method on concrete workability, mechanical properties, durability, and environmental risk. Results indicate that DMRP mixing effectively enhanced concrete workability and prolonged setting times. However, under constant water-to-binder ratio conditions, increasing DMRP content led to reductions in early-age compressive strength, flexural strength, early shrinkage rate, carbonation resistance, and frost resistance, while significantly improving resistance to chloride ion penetration and sulfate attack. At DMRP replacement rates ≤20%, the concrete posed no leaching risk. Furthermore, compared to the single mixing method, the compound mixing approach improved the overall concrete performance to some extent. This study not only demonstrates the potential of DMRP for enhancing concrete properties but also provides a practical pathway for mitigating its environmental impact and conserving natural resources.