## 3 Results and Discussion  
### Analysis of Compressive Strength of Specimens  
Figure 8 illustrates the compressive strength and strength ratio of specimens cast in three different environments over varying curing periods. In the figure, \(\sigma\)c-L, \(\sigma\)c-W, and \(\sigma\)c-N represent the compressive strengths of specimens cured in dry, pure water, and slurry environments, respectively. It is evident that as curing progresses, the compressive strength of specimens in different environments shows a similar trend: early-stage strength (1-7 days) increases rapidly, with a growth rate of about 30-50%, the highest being in the slurry environment. In the later stage (7-28 days), strength growth slows down, with a growth rate of about 1% in both dry and pure water environments and about 5% in  
Figure 7: Analysis of the micro-pore structure of mortar test blocks: (**a**) physical images; (**b**) analysis software.  
the slurry environment. Additionally, specimens cured in the slurry environment exhibit significantly lower compressive strength compared to those cured in dry and pure water environments. This is likely due to the medium in the curing environment affecting the specimen's properties. In the dry environment, the medium is mainly air, which has minimal impact on the compressive strength of the specimen. In the pure water environment, a small amount of water enters the specimen during casting; however, the impact is minimal due to the addition of an efficient dispersant in the mortar, resulting in only about a 2% strength loss after 28 days. Conversely, in the slurry environment, the high viscosity of the slurry prevents the mortar from expelling it completely, leading to some slurry mixing with the mortar. This forms a bentonite film around the cement particles, reducing water molecule penetration and affecting the hydration process [42]. Additionally, the presence of numerous cations in the slurry can increase the surface tension of the mortar solution, raise porosity, and cause precipitates to form with hydration products, further lowering the compressive strength. Consequently, the 28 th-day strength loss in the slurry environment exceeds 20%, representing about 77.3% of the strength in the dry environment.  
The compressive strength ratios (strength losses) of specimens cast in dry, pure water, and slurry environments indicate that, whether comparing the strength of specimens in pure water or slurry environments to those in dry environments or comparing specimens in slurry environments to those in pure water environments, all show a similar trend with increasing curing time: the early-stage compressive strength ratio increases rapidly, while the late-stage growth slows down. This phenomenon may be attributed to the fact that early compressive strength is relatively low, making the medium in the casting environment have a significant impact on the specimen's strength. As curing time progresses and the specimen's strength gradually increases, it partially offsets the strength impact caused by the casting environment. Consequently, the strength loss diminishes, and the strength ratio increases. Once the strength ceases to increase, the strength ratio stabilizes.