Abstract
This study investigated the effects of waste ceramic powder on both the mechanical and microstructural properties of mortar. The study explored the utilization of $$\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ – $$\hbox {SiO}_{2}$$ nanoparticles in mortar as cement replacement. Four mixes containing ceramic nanoparticles (0, 20, 40, and 60%) were prepared. The mortar specimens were tested for compressive strength. The role of ceramic waste powder was investigated through the analysis of microstructure in terms of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis. The results revealed that the replacement of $$\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$ – $$\hbox {SiO}_{2}$$ nanoparticles to the mortar matrix had significantly enhanced the compressive strength. At 90 days, the compressive strength was in the range of 44.7–58.8 MPa. The results were validated through a microstructure test. The mortar with 40% of ceramic replacement showed better performance in terms of C-S-H production from active siliceous containing excessive calcium hydroxide content.
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