An Evaluation of the Feasibility of Several Industrial Wastes and Natural Materials, as Precursors, for the Production of Alkali Activated Materials
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Journal ArticleDate:
2019Access:
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Alelweet, O. & Pavia, S., An Evaluation of the Feasibility of Several Industrial Wastes and Natural Materials, as Precursors, for the Production of Alkali Activated Materials, International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 13, 12, 2019, 741 - 748Download Item:
Abstract:
In order to face current compelling environmental
problems affecting the planet, the construction industry needs to
adapt. It is widely acknowledged that there is a need for durable,
high-performance, low-greenhouse gas emission binders that can be
used as an alternative to Portland cement (PC) to lower the
environmental impact of construction. Alkali activated materials
(AAMs) are considered a more sustainable alternative to PC
materials. The binders of AAMs result from the reaction of an alkali
metal source and a silicate powder or precursor which can be a
calcium silicate or an aluminosilicate-rich material. This paper
evaluates the particle size, specific surface area, chemical and
mineral composition and amorphousness of silicate materials (most
industrial waste locally produced in Ireland and Saudi Arabia) to
develop alkali-activated binders that can replace PC resources in
specific applications. These include recycled ceramic brick, bauxite,
illitic clay, fly ash and metallurgical slag. According to the results,
the wastes are reactive and comply with building standards
requirements. The study also evidenced that the reactivity of the
Saudi bauxite (with significant kaolinite) can be enhanced on thermal
activation; and high calcium in the slag will promote reaction; which
should be possible with low alkalinity activators. The wastes
evidenced variable water demands that will be taken into account for
mixing with the activators. Finally, further research is proposed to
further determine the reactive fraction of the clay-based precursors.
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http://people.tcd.ie/paviasDescription:
PUBLISHED
Author: Pavia, Sara; Alelweet, Omar
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Journal ArticleSeries/Report no:
International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering13
12
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Full text availableKeywords:
Reactivity, Water demand, Alkali-activated materials, Brick, Bauxite, Illitic clay, Fly ash, SlagSubject (TCD):
Nanoscience & Materials , Smart & Sustainable PlanetLicences: