Abstract
Due to the increase of water consumption, water treatment systems become more actual and innovative materials for water treatment are welcomed. Traditionally, alkalizing agents, such as lime or caustic soda, have been employed to increase the pH levels, which induce chemical clarification of wastewater. Some innovative ideas of using low-calcium, alkali-activated materials (AAM) for this purpose have been considered previously. In this study, the low-calcium, porous, alkali-activated material (pAAM) was characterized to understand the impact of the aluminum silicate source and heat treatment on basic properties for material that might be used in water treatment systems as a softener by stabilizing the pH. The studied porous alkali-activated materials may ensure stable and long-lasting (30 days) pH (pH 10.3–11.6) in water media depending on the composition and amount of activation solution used for AAM preparation. Heat treatment does not have an impact on the mineralogical composition and structural properties of the pAAM, but it does change the leaching ability of alkalis from the material structure.
Highlights
According to global water security data, world water consumption has increased from 600 billion m3 to 4600 billion m3 in the last 17 years [1]
The bulk density of was between 460–750 kg/m3, the water absorption by mass was up to 60%, and the total porosity was pAAM was between 460–750 kg/m3, the water absorption by mass was up to 60%, and the total within the range of 71–79%, depending on material composition
It indicates that water media did not have a negative impact on the compressive strength of the obtained pAAM and the softening of materials did not happen. This aspect is very important for materials that are intended to be used in water media. As these results show an increase in strength, it is possible to conclude that formation of the pAAM structure is still continuing
Summary
According to global water security data, world water consumption has increased from 600 billion m3 to 4600 billion m3 in the last 17 years [1]. This indicates that water treatment is becoming increasingly important. Colloids, and certain dissolved materials present in the wastewater can be efficiently removed by using flocculation processes at high pH. Alkalizing agents, such as lime or caustic soda, have been employed to increase the pH levels, which induce chemical clarification of wastewaters [1]. More recently, some papers have been published in which the idea of using low-calcium, alkali-activated materials (AAM) for this purpose has been considered with some promising results [2,3,4,5,6]
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