Cr2AlC powders were synthesized using graphite, carbon black and biomass-derived coconut shell charcoal as carbon sources, and the regulatory effects of carbon source characteristics on phase evolution, microstructure and formation mechanism during Cr2AlC synthesis were investigated. The results reveal that the characteristics of the carbon sources dominate the reaction process, and Cr2AlC synthesis follows a common pathway involving the formation of Al-Cr alloy and carbide intermediates, intermediate transformation and subsequent nanolayered grain growth. Graphite exhibits low reactivity due to the high crystallinity, resulting in Cr2AlC purity of only 78.6 wt% at 1400 °C. Amorphous carbon black enables efficient synthesis of high-purity Cr2AlC (98.9 wt%) owing to nanoscale particle size and ultrahigh reactivity. Coconut shell charcoal is endowed with a unique porous structure that facilitates rapid atomic diffusion and mass transfer, yielding Cr2AlC with 96.8 wt% purity. The oxidation of Cr2AlC powder initiates with the formation of amorphous Al2O3 protective layer on the particle surface, which gradually evolves into complex structure consisting of an outer (Al0.9Cr0.1)2O3/Cr2O3 mixed layer, an intermediate Cr2O3 layer and an inner Cr7C3 layer. Coconut shell charcoal-derived Cr2AlC exhibits a balance combination of structural stability and oxidation resistance at moderate and high temperatures, providing a green and efficient strategy for synthesizing high-performance MAX phase powders.

The biochar was first prepared using coconut shells and corncobs, and then they were used to replace graphite or carbon black in low-carbon Al2O3-C materials. The effects of biochar on oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and microstructural evolution were investigated. The results indicate that incorporating appropriate amounts of biochar enhances the oxidation and corrosion resistance of the samples. Compared with the graphitecontaining sample, the addition of 1 wt% coconut shell charcoal and corncob charcoal reduced the oxide layer area from 28.2% to 24.9% and 21.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the corrosion depths of CaO and MgO originating from the steel slag were notably reduced. This enhancement is attributed to the higher reactivity of biochar with Al and Si, which promotes the in situ formation of AlN and SiC whiskers. These ceramic phases contribute to the densification of the materials, thereby suppressing oxygen diffusion and effectively impeding slag penetration.

Rare earth phosphate (REPO4) is deemed to be one of the potential thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) materials for enhancing superalloy service temperatures. However, its low thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and insufficient damage tolerance hinder replacement of commercial TBCs. In this work, high-entropy phosphate ceramics (HEPC) with six-components are screened, synthesized and characterized to evaluate thermophysical and mechanical properties. The results show that the TEC of HEPC exhibits a negative correlation with the average electronegativity difference. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity (kappa) of HEPC is negatively correlated with the average mass difference and ionic radius difference. The optimized (Ce1/6Pr1/6Nd1/6Sm1/6Eu1/6Gd1/6)PO4 exhibits lower thermal conductivity (1.962-0.924 W center dot m- 1 center dot K- 1 at 25-1300 degrees C), higher TEC (10.96 x 10 -6 K- 1, 30-1600 degrees C), excellent fracture toughness (1.49 MPa center dot m1/2), nanohardness (9.22 GPa), and elastic modulus (134.04 GPa). This work provides a feasible approach for preparing HEPC TBCs in pursuit of tunable thermophysical and mechanical properties.

ABSTRACT Transparent lithium aluminum oxynitride (LiAlON) ceramics have attracted increasing attention because Li incorporation improves aqueous processability while modifying the crystal chemistry and microstructural evolution of conventional AlON. In this work, the mechanical reliability and thermophysical behavior of highly transparent Li 0.07 Al 2.76 O 3.64 N 0.36 ceramics were systematically investigated. Room‐temperature fracture behavior was systematically evaluated using Weibull statistics, subcritical crack growth (SCG) analysis, and strength–probability–time prediction. Thermophysical properties, including thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and temperature‐dependent Young's modulus, were measured over a wide temperature range. High‐temperature fracture strength and thermal shock resistance were further estimated using experimentally determined thermophysical parameters. The LiAlON ceramics exhibited a characteristic flexural strength of 254 MPa with a Weibull modulus of 4.33. Quantitative defect analysis indicated that surface machining damage, rather than residual porosity, dominated fracture initiation, suggesting a surface‐flaw‐controlled fracture behavior in the coarse‐grained microstructure. The SCG exponent was approximately 11, indicating moderate susceptibility to environmentally assisted crack propagation. Thermal conductivity remained slightly higher than that of conventional AlON despite Li incorporation, which is attributed primarily to reduced grain‐boundary phonon scattering associated with the coarse‐grained microstructure. Young's modulus decreased nearly linearly with temperature, and the predicted fracture strength remained approximately 190 MPa at 800°C. The present results suggest that the coarse‐grained microstructure simultaneously influences mechanical reliability and thermophysical performance through different microstructural pathways, highlighting the importance of balancing surface‐flaw tolerance and grain‐boundary scattering in the microstructural design of transparent structural ceramics for optical and high‐temperature applications.

Conventional phosphogypsum-based supersulfated cement (SSC) is afflicted by the critical bottleneck of insufficient early strength development. This study proposes a novel β-hemihydrate phosphogypsum (β-HPG)/raw phosphogypsum (PG) binary sulfate activation strategy to resolve this issue. β-HPG was prepared by low-temperature calcination at 170 ℃ for 4 h and used to partially replace PG. The effects of β-HPG on the compressive strength, hydration kinetics, phase evolution, microstructure and eco-efficiency of PG-based SSC were systematically investigated. The optimal performance was achieved at 15 wt% β-HPG replacement, yielding 236.9% and 24.9% increases in 1 d and 28 d compressive strength, respectively. The core enhancement mechanism lay in the dual-rate sulfate release effect. β-HPG provided an initial ionic burst for rapid ettringite (AFt) formation, while residual PG acted as a slow-release reservoir for sustained hydration. However, excessive β-HPG induced microcracks and increased porosity, leading to slight strength degradation. Eco-efficiency evaluation reveals that the optimal sample achieved a remarkably low 28-day carbon emission index of 1.09 kg/(t·MPa). This work provided a theoretical basis and technical approach for the high-value utilization of industrial solid wastes and the development of low-carbon cementitious materials.

Magnesia-carbon (MgO-C) bricks are widely used in the construction of steelmaking and metallurgical equipment, and their fracture damage can significantly affect the safety and stability of production. Therefore, accurately predicting their fracture failure properties is of great significance. In this study, MgO-C bricks with different service zones and temperatures were investigated using wedge-splitting tests (WST), digital image correlation (DIC), and realistic Microstructure representative finite element modeling. The results show that both carbon content and temperature govern damage crack evolution. At room temperature, higher carbon contents intensified crack deflection and enlarged the fracture process zone. At high temperature, the nominal tensile strength, fracture load and fracture energy increased substantially. To reproduce these responses, a finite element model (FEM) was developed from SEM-derived meshes that explicitly represented matrix, aggregates and defects. Temperature-dependent constitutive behavior was implemented using the concrete damaged plasticity model. Aggregate-matrix interfaces were described by a cohesive zone model calibrated through molecular dynamics simulations and debonding tests. The predicted load-displacement curves and crack trajectories agreed well with the experiments, with peak stress errors remaining below 6.9%. Overall, this work provides a validated framework for fracture prediction and supports microstructure-based design and performance optimization of MgO-C bricks.

The performance of low-carbon MgO-C refractories under industrial conditions, characterized by rapid temperature fluctuations, remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the evolution of microstructure and properties of MgO-C-Al-Si composites under cyclic thermal stress at peak temperatures between 1000 and 1300 degrees C. Finite element simulations reveal pronounced, spatially heterogeneous thermal stresses that readily induce microcracking. Experimental results indicate that thermal stress cycling accelerates microcracks and alters the local gas transport conditions, thereby affecting phase evolution and whisker formation. Under moderate thermal cycling, newly formed whiskers enhance densification, mechanical strength, and oxidation resistance through crack bridging and healing. However, excessive disturbance leads to extensive microcrack propagation and structural degradation. Consequently, the property evolution during thermal cycling is governed by a competition between microcrack-induced damage and whisker-induced reinforcement, which strongly depends on the thermal cycling history. These findings provide insights into the microstructural regulation and performance optimization of low-carbon MgO-C refractories under practical thermal shock conditions.

Slag penetration and oxidation resistance are two critical factors influencing practical application in harsh conditions. In this work, the effect of Ti3AlC2 addition on slag penetration and oxidation resistance of MgO-C refractories is investigated, with conventional Si included for comparison. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations together with high-temperature wetting experiments indicate that Ti3AlC3 exhibits significantly poorer wettability with molten slag compared with Si, SiC, MgO, or graphite. Experimental results and thermodynamic calculations show that MgO-C refractories with Ti3AlC2 addition effectively limits slag penetration, with residual slag forming high-viscosity phases. In contrast, MgO-C refractories with Si addition produce abundant SiO2-rich corrosion products, resulting in reduced viscosity of residual slag and inferior slag penetration resistance. Oxidation tests reveal a temperature-dependent dual protection mechanism for Ti3AlC2. At 1200 degrees C, Al2O3 that partially shields graphite is formed owing to selective oxidation of Ti3AlC2. At 1400 degrees C, the resulting TiO2 and Al2O3 react with MgO to generate continuous and dense MgAl8Ti6O25 layer, which significantly enhances oxidation resistance. Collectively, Ti3AlC2 can substantially improve both slag penetration and oxidation resistance, highlighting its multifunctional potential to extend the service life of MgO-C refractories.

An aluminum lactate-modified MgO bonding strategy was developed to stabilize metallic Al in aqueous SiC–MgAl2O4 castables. The stabilization mechanism of metallic Al during aqueous processing was clarified, and the coupled effects of Al-induced nitridation and MgO-induced in-situ spinel formation on microstructural evolution were systematically investigated. The optimized compositions (7–9 wt% Al and 3–4 wt% MgO) promotes the formation of AlON-reinforced structures and MgAl2O4 spinel, achieving a balance between nitridation-assisted densification and expansion-induced microcracking. The generated AlON phases improve structural integrity through pore filling and interparticle bridging, while excessive spinel expansion is effectively avoided. Furthermore, metallic Al addition modifies the oxidation pathway by promoting mullite formation, suppressing cristobalite generation and reducing oxygen/slag penetration pathways. As a result, the optimized material exhibits simultaneously enhanced mechanical properties, oxidation resistance and slag corrosion resistance. A coupled oxidation–corrosion degradation mechanism is proposed, demonstrating that optimized metallic Al addition can interrupt the positive feedback between oxidation-induced pore formation and slag infiltration. This work provides a sustainable design strategy for chromium-free refractory linings in coal water slurry gasifiers and offers a potential approach for incorporating highly reactive metallic additives into aqueous castable processing.

Improving the hydration resistance of aluminum (Al) powder is essential for its safe use in water-containing refractory castables. In this work, Al particles were coated with a MgAl2O4 (MA) precursor gel by a sol-gel process. The effects of MA sol volume, aging time, coating cycles and castable additives on Al hydration were systematically investigated. The optimized coating process used Al particles/sol weight ratios of 1:5, 4 h of aging and two coating cycles. Due to the dense MA precursor gel layer, MA-coated Al particles exhibited excellent hydration resistance. Combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the microscale, it was shown that the coated system suppresses the formation of interfacial Al-Ow bonds and exhibits the water molecules may be adsorbed or partially dissociated at the coating surface. The dispersant sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) in refractory castable is no effect on hydration of the coated Al particles. However, the cement as binder in castable has negative effect on hydration resistance. These findings clarify the distinct roles of dispersants and binders in regulating the surface stability of Al particles and provide valuable insights for the design of corrosion-resistant coatings.

MXene materials have great potential for energy storage applications, owing to their unique two-dimensional structure, exceptional electrical conductivity, and versatile surface chemistry. However, the practical utilization of pristine MXenes is hindered by several intrinsic limitations, such as interlayer restacking (which impedes ion diffusion), susceptibility to oxidation in aqueous and oxygen-rich environments, instability of surface functional groups, and suboptimal electrical conductivity. The structural engineering and surface modification strategies of MXenes were reviewed in this manuscript. The modification approaches include intercalation, surface functionalization, doping, and composite engineering. The insights presented herein aim to promote the development and practical application of MXene-based materials in next-generation energy storage devices.

The development and application of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) ceramics are central to materials science research. As a wide-bandgap insulator, h-BN offers a range of exceptional properties, including a high specific surface area, excellent thermal conductivity, superior mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, chemical inertness, and dielectric transparency. Notably, monolayer single-crystal h-BN outperforms graphene in fracture toughness, with an effective energy release rate an order of magnitude higher. Furthermore, atomically h-BN demonstrates wettability transparency similar to that of graphene, enhancing its functional versatility. These remarkable attributes have led to the widespread application of h-BN ceramics in both traditional and advanced fields. In established industries, h-BN ceramics are essential components in continuous casting separating rings, side sealing plates for thin-strip continuous casting, crucibles, sealing rings for gas sensors, high-temperature furnace parts, and vacuum coating evaporation boats. In emerging technologies, h-BN ceramics are gaining attraction in electronics, aerospace, coatings, 3D printing, and biomedicine, demonstrating the significant potential for future advancements. The fabrication of h-BN ceramics mainly relies on sintering, a critical final step in ceramic production that determines the ultimate performance of materials. However, the intrinsic properties of h-BN—characterized by strong covalent bonding, a high melting point, and a low solid-phase self-diffusion coefficient—present substantial challenges in achieving high-density sintered bodies. As a result, pure h-BN ceramics often suffer from low sintering activity and insufficient mechanical properties. Addressing these challenges has become a key research focus, with efforts directed at incorporating sintering aids, introducing secondary or tertiary phases to form composites, refining sintering processes, and optimizing sintering aids to improve densification. Various sintering techniques have been employed to produce h-BN ceramics, including hot pressing, pressureless sintering, hot isostatic pressing, spark plasma sintering, oscillatory sintering, and microwave sintering. This review explores the preparation methods and application landscape of h-BN-based ceramics, with a particular emphasis on their sintering processes. It also highlights the vast potential of h-BN ceramics and their composites to drive innovation across a wide range of industrial sectors. Future research on h-BN ceramic materials should focus on the following priorities: Given the flaky morphology of h-BN and its relatively large grain size, which complicate the sintering of h-BN-based ceramics, it is crucial to explore nanostructured h-BN ceramics with diverse morphologies. Efforts should aim to optimize sintering processes and reduce time requirements while emphasizing critical role of h-BN in next-generation high-performance materials. Advancing techniques, improving sintering aids, and engineering multiphase ceramic materials will help facilitate precise microstructural control. This, in turn, will further enhance the mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties, paving the way for materials with optimized overall performance. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain unresolved. The lack of a scalable method for producing high-purity, high-quality h-BN ceramics continues to hinder their widespread adoption. Overcoming this bottleneck would revolutionize the development of ceramic composites with improved mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, unlocking new opportunities across various applications. These insights can inspire researchers and professionals, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future innovations in the h-BN ceramics field.

At present, graphite is commonly used as the carbon source in Al2O3-C refractory. However, graphite resources are limited and belong to the category of nonrenewable resources. Coconut shell is a biomass material with low cost, low impurity, and high reactivity, and also belongs to renewable resources. Therefore, the research for using coconut shell carbon as a substitution for graphite in Al2O3-C refractory has great significance. In this work, the coconut shell was firstly carbonized at 200-1000 degrees C in flowing argon, and the microstructure of the carbonized coconut shells was investigated. Then the carbonized coconut shell powder was introduced into Al2O3-C refractory instead of graphite, and the effect of carbonized coconut shell on mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of materials was investigated. The results show that the carbonized coconut shell has porous structures, composed of amorphous carbon and disordered micro-graphite with many defects, endowing its high reactivity. Compared with graphite, the carbonized coconut shell promotes the Si and Al to in situ formation of nonoxide ceramic whiskers (SiC, Al4C3, and AlN), which play a strengthening and toughening role in the materials. When graphite is replaced by 1 wt% carbonized coconut shell, the residual strength ratio of samples increased from 81.8% to 90.2%, and that of the hot modulus of rupture increased from 17.53 MPa to 18.47 MPa.

Investigating the production of supersulfated cement (SSC) using desulfurization-modified red mud is essential for enhancing the high-value utilization of calcium-based solid waste and advancing the development of low-carbon cementitious materials. In this study, red mud (RM) underwent desulfurization modification via a simulated flue gas desulfurization process, yielding red mud desulfurization residue (RMD). This RMD was subsequently employed as a resource component for the production of SSC samples. The effect of RMD addition on compressive strength was examined. The hydration kinetics and microstructural characteristics of the SSC based on RMD (SSCR) system were analyzed using various techniques, including ICC, XRD, TGA, FT-IR, MAS NMR, MIP and SEM-EDS. The results indicated that gypsum generated from the desulfurization reaction constituted the primary component of the resulting RMD. The gypsum particles exhibited a regular columnar morphology, while the unreacted residual particles displayed a coarser and more porous microstructure. Compared to a single alkali-activated system utilizing Ca(OH)(2), the appropriate incorporation of RMD significantly accelerated the hydration process of the SSCR system. The increase in products such as AFt and C-(A)-S-H gels, along with an increased proportion of gel pores (<10 nm), collectively contributed to the enhancement of mechanical properties. However, the presence of larger residual particles within the RMD might lead to the formation of larger voids and microcracks in the hardened paste, potentially limiting strength development, particularly when RMD was incorporated in excessive amounts.

Using mullite fiber as the substrate, two different hierarchical structures of corundum/mullite fibers were prepared by impregnating commercial mullite fiber using alumina and silica sols as well as nano-alumina and nanosilica suspensions, respectively. Almost inter-locked corundum hierarchical structures formed using alumina and silica sols with Si: Al: F ratio of 1:3:9 and 1:3:12, containing a small amount of topaz fibers. And the goose feather-like hierarchical structure mullite fibers formed using nano-alumina and nano-silica suspensions with a Si: Al: F molar ratio of 2:2:3 and 2:2:6, a few of flaky corundum crystals interlaced in mullite network. Using the above two structures to prepare the coatings for Q235 steel sheet, the cross-linked fiber network significantly reduces thermal conductivity of steel. The thermal conductivity of the steel sheet (46 W m- 1 K-1) is reduced to 0.74 W m- 1 K- 1 and 0.37 W m- 1 K- 1 by coated hierarchical structures of corundum and mullite, which is much lower than the thermal conductivity coated by commercial corundum hollow balls (1.34 W m- 1 K-1). The coating of mullite hierarchical structures prepared at 1300 degrees C with highest hardness (270 HV).

Corundum-spinel based purging plugs are extensively employed in steel ladle refining processes. Traditionally, these plugs are manufactured through a high-temperature firing process that not only demanded substantial energy consumption but also resulted in a dense microstructure with higher strength; however, they often led to undesirable consequences such as fracture and thermal spalling, significantly impeding the enhancement of their service life. In recent years, the steel industry has witnessed the emergence of unfired purging plugs as an alternative solution. Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings including low strength at intermediate-temperature and poor volume stability, which easily lead to a short life and lower blowing rate of the unfired purging plug, thereby restricting their utilization. Aiming to improve the intermediate-temperature properties of the unfired purging plug, the effect of Zn(OH)2 on the properties of the castables was investigated. The results show that the cold strength of the specimens sintered at different temperatures remarkably increased with rising Zn(OH)2 content, for instance, CMOR values of the specimens sintered at 800 °C escalated from 3.19 MPa to 14.98 MPa. Furthermore, the incorporation of Zn(OH)2 led to a reduction in permanent linear change and a marked increase in hot strength. The remarkable improvement in intermediate-temperature strength can be attributed to the formation of ZnCr2O4 and ZnAl2O4 spinel phases originating from the reaction between ZnO derived from the decomposition of Zn(OH)2, and the existing Cr2O3 or Al2O3. These spinel phases create a reinforcing effect, thereby substantially enhancing the mechanical properties of the specimens after firing at intermediate temperatures.

Unfired calcium aluminate cement (CAC) bonded alumina-spinel based plug precasts have many advantages including energy saving, shorter placement period, lower cost and good thermal shock resistance in comparison with fired purging plugs. Unfortunately, their strength was drastically decreased in the range of 700 degrees C-1000 degrees C, which was attributed to the destruction of the hydrates network of the castables, and structural spalling was also occurred because of their lower strength. To respond these, a feasible method to fabricate higher strength of unfired precast was proposed by adding ZnO powders, and the effect of the ZnO content on the microstructure and properties of the castables was studied in this paper. Results demonstrate that cold strength of the specimens after heat-treating at different temperatures increases significantly by rising of the ZnO level, permanent linear change of the castables after firing at 1400 degrees C and 1600 degrees C decreases, and hot strength value noticeably increases from 36.3 to 58.4 MPa, exhibited that cold and hot strength of CAC bonded castables significantly improve via adding ZnO powders. Strengthening mechanism on the strength of ZnO-bearing castables is ascribed to formation of ZnAl2O4 and ZnCr2O4, and their strengthening effect is much higher than that of the weakening effect by CAC hydration products fired at 600 degrees C-1000 degrees C, and this strength reinforcing effect is intensified with rising of heat-treating temperature. In addition, ZnCr2O4 and ZnAl2O4 can dispense in MA spinel grains to form spinel solid solution at 1400 degrees C-1600 degrees C, (Al1-xCrx)2O3 solid solution is formed via Cr2O3 reacts with Al2O3. Those favor the densification process of the matrix structure, creating strength reinforcing effect of the ZnO-containing castables, thereby significantly increase their strength.

Micro-powder plays a vital role in improving the rheological and high-temperature properties of corundumspinel castables. The explosion resistance is a key property of castables during installation. However, there is less attention on the effect of micro-powder on the explosion resistance. In this work, the corundum-spinel castables were prepared using corundum aggregates and fines as well as magnesium aluminate spinel (MA) micro-powder. The effects of micro-Al2O3 and MA micro-powder on the explosion resistance of corundum-spinel castables were investigated. The results show that excessive micro-powder addition decreases the explosion resistance. The explosion temperature is 850 degrees C with 4 wt% micro-alumina powder addition, with further increasing of micro-alumina powder up to 8 wt% and 12 wt%, the explosion resistance temperature decreases to 750 degrees C and 600 degrees C, respectively, which is still at a high level. The particle size of micro-powder has noticeable influence on the explosion resistance of corundum-spinel castables. When the particle size of MA micro-powder decreases from 8.6 mu m (D50) to 4.0 mu m (D50), the explosion temperature decreases from 750 degrees C to 550 degrees C. Replacing alumina micro-powder with MA micro-powder has little effect on the microstructure and pore size distribution of specimens, but the explosion resistance is improved.

To optimize the structure and performance of bauxite-based mullite, homogeneous mullite grogs were prepared using Chinese Grade II bauxite as the primary raw material, incorporating 6 wt% zircon through wet homogenization and high-temperature calcination. This study systematically examined the influence of the calcination temperature (1350-1650 degrees C) and zircon addition on the phase composition, microstructure, and properties of bauxite-based mullite, with particular emphasis on the mechanistic role of zircon in modulating the crystal morphology of the mullite. The results indicate that within the 1350-1500 degrees C temperature range, zircon decomposed into ZrO2 and amorphous SiO2, which accelerated the secondary mullitization reaction. Above 1500 degrees C, ZrO2 promoted the formation of a SiO2-rich liquid phase, thereby enhancing the sintering performance of the homogeneous bauxite-based mullite grogs. At calcination temperatures of 1600 similar to 1650 degrees C, trace amounts of Zr4+ incorporated into the mullite lattice via solid-state dissolution, inducing lattice distortion. Under the synergistic effects of liquid-phase sintering and lattice distortion energy, the mullite crystals exhibited a pronounced increase in aspect ratio. After calcination at 1650 degrees C for 2 h, the zircon-doped samples achieved an average mullite aspect ratio of 10.21, with crystal lengths extending to 23.75 mu m, forming an interlocking network structure. This distinctive microstructure led to a high cold modulus of rupture (42.60 MPa) and outstanding thermal shock resistance (residual strength retention rate: 82.25 %) in the homogeneous bauxite-based mullite grogs.

Lead-zinc tailings (LZTs), a byproduct of lead-zinc ore beneficiation, present significant environmental challenges due to their large volume and heavy metal content. This study investigated the potential of LZTs as an activator for granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in the preparation of supersulfated cement (SSC) through precalcination at varying temperatures. The effects of precalcination on the composition and structural characteristics of LZTs were analyzed using XRD, TGA, and SEM. The hydration behavior and microstructure of the resulting SSC were characterized by XRD, TGA, SEM, and MIP. The results indicated that precalcination of LZTs transformed pyrite and dolomite into Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, and CaSO4, with maximum CaSO4 levels achieved at 800 degrees C. The resulting CaSO4 and basic oxides served as sulfate and alkaline activators for SSC. Compressive strength tests demonstrated that GBFS was effectively activated by LZTs precalcined at temperatures between 500 and 1000 degrees C for 1 hour. SSC paste samples with a precalcined-LZTs/GBFS ratio of 2:8 achieved optimal strength exceeding 25 MPa after 90 d. The primary hydration products were AFt and C-S-H gel, which interwove to densify the microstructure of the hardened slurry.