To achieve high-value utilization of bulk industrial solid wastes, this study investigated the relationship and mechanism between the CaO/(SiO2+Al2O3) molar ratio and multifactorial parameters in geopolymers. Blast furnace slag (high-calcium precursor) and fly ash (low-calcium precursor) were activated with sodium silicate solution as an alkaline activator to synthesize green, high-strength, and low-carbon geopolymer binders. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of CaO/(SiO2+Al2O3) molar ratio, curing age, water-to-solid ratio, alkaline activator dosage, and modulus on compressive strength and setting time. Microstructural and hydration mechanisms were analyzed using TG-DTG, XRD, and SEM. Results indicated that the CaO/(SiO2+Al2O3) molar ratio significantly enhanced early strength: when the ratio increased from 0.18 to 0.41, the 7-day compressive strength rose from 8.99 to 17.54 MPa, respectively, with an increase of 95.11%. Hydration products evolved from single N-A-S-H to coexisting N-A-S-H, C-(A)-S-H, and C-A-H, which improved structural compactness. Setting time was governed mainly by the CaO/(SiO2+Al2O3) molar ratio and water-to-solid ratio, showing negative and positive correlations, respectively. Regression equations were established to predict 28-day compressive strength, initial and final setting times. These findings provide useful insights into the development of geopolymer binders for sustainable soil stabilization.
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