Alkali-activated composites with synthetic fibers and recycled aggregates: a study of mechanical properties

Abstract

This study examines the potential for enhancing alkali-activated composites (AACs) through the incorporation of a blend of meta-zeolite (MZ) and slag, reinforced with synthetic fibers and incorporating aluminum sludge (AS) and recycled concrete aggregate. AACs were activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) in varying ratios and molarities (8M to 14M). The optimal mix, comprising 50% MZ and 50% S at 12M NaOH with 30% AS, exhibited notable enhancements in mechanical properties. Specifically, the addition of 0.5% basalt fibers resulted in a 7.26% increase in compressive strength and a 24.15% enhancement in flexural strength. These findings underscore the potential of MZ-S-based AACs, enhanced with aluminum sludge and basalt fiber, to develop advanced, sustainable construction materials. The study underscores the significance of optimizing material ratios and reinforcement strategies to achieve superior performance, thereby contributing to the development of environmentally friendly building solutions that align with contemporary standards.