Feasibility study about the use of basalt sawing sludge in building and restoration

Abstract

Sawing sludge of Etnean basalt represents a natural waste with high management cost, which is often disposed in open areas, causing environmental problems. Following the “EU ecological transition” policy, this work aims to valorise basalt sawing sludge as precursor through the alkali activation process for binder production in building and restoration fields. Firstly, mineralogical investigation by means of XRD was carried out on raw material to assess its suitability in alkaline environment. Afterwards, multidisciplinary approach was performed on synthetized binders through XRD, SEM and colorimetry analyses. The results displayed the occurrence of polycondensation reaction with an increase of amorphous amount and a dense matrix with grey colour compatible with buildings based on basalt stones.