Upcycling of Ladle Furnace Slag for construction materials for 3D printing

The construction sector urgently requires sustainable alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), whose production is a major source of CO₂ emissions. Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS), a by-product of steelmaking, is often landfilled despite its high calcium and silica content that makes it a promising precursor for alkali activation. This thesis explores the upcycling of LFS into sodium-silicate-activated binders as a low-carbon construction material, with a long-term outlook toward applications in 3D printing. By focusing on simple activation protocols and reproducible mortar formulations, the study aims to contribute to circular economy practices while providing a foundation for innovative and environmentally friendly construction technologies.