Alkali-activated Fly Research Articles

Micro/Meso Scales Characterization of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash-Slag Concrete Under Sustained High-Temperatures with X-CT, MIP, and SEM Tests

Based on X-CT, MIP, and SEM tests, the micro/meso scales evolutions of alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) concrete under sustained high temperatures are studied. The results show that the water loss of the C-S-H and C-A-S-H gel phases at 60°C is continuous (about 60d). The variation law of meso-scale pore volume based on the X-CT test is consistent with that of micro-scale pore volume obtained by the MIP test. The 2D fractal dimension can be used to qualitatively evaluate the internal micro-cracks and microstructure complexity of AAFS concrete after sustained high-temperature action. The mass loss rate can reach stability within 3d-7d under the action of 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C, and there is no cumulative effect of micro-cracks and pores caused by initial water loss. Under sustained high-temperatures, the internal pore structure, micro-cracks, and microstructure changes of AAFS concrete are persistent, and these persistent changes lead to a significant change in the mechanical properties of AAFS concrete.

Design and Microstructural Analysis of the Mixture Proportion of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash-Slag Composite Cementitious Material

Design and Microstructural Analysis of the Mixture Proportion of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash-Slag Composite Cementitious Material

Mechanical properties and sulfate resistance of basalt fiber-reinforced alkali-activated fly ash-slag-based coal gangue pervious concrete

To address the strength deficiencies and enhance the durability of coal gangue pervious concrete while promoting the resource utilization of coal gangue, this study employs alkali-activated fly ash and slag as binding materials, partially replacing natural coarse aggregates with coal gangue to prepare alkali-activated fly ash-slag-based coal gangue pervious concrete (AFSGPC). Basalt fibers are introduced to examine the effects of varying fiber lengths and volume fractions on the mechanical properties, permeability, and sulfate resistance of AFSGPC. Results indicate that incorporating an appropriate amount of basalt fibers improves the mechanical properties and sulfate resistance of AFSGPC, attributed to the high strength characteristics of the alkali-activated fly ash-slag binder and the crack-bridging and toughening effects of the basalt fibers, although it may slightly reduce permeability. When the fiber length is 12mm and the volume fraction is 0.1%, the compressive strength at 28 days reaches 24.12MPa, and the splitting tensile strength is 2.95MPa, reflecting increases of 10.48% and 32.89%, respectively. The permeability coefficient is measured at 2.07mm/s, meeting the standards for pervious concrete in road applications. After undergoing 60 cycles of sulfate wet-dry erosion, the corrosion resistance coefficient of AFSGPC increases by 20.02%. To meet the stringent strength requirements for pervious pavements, it is recommended that basalt fibers with a length of 12mm and a volume fraction of 0.1% be utilized in AFSGPC. In regions characterized by high precipitation, the application of basalt fibers shorter than 12mm, with a volume fraction not exceeding 0.15%, is advisable to minimize the obstruction of interconnected pores. These findings provide valuable insights for the preparation and engineering application of basalt fiber-modified AFSGPC.

Accelerated carbonation of alkali-activated vibro-compacted pervious concrete paving blocks

This study explores the use of an accelerated carbonation curing method to enhance the performance of non-structural precast alkali-activated fly ash pervious concrete paving blocks. Using a predefined production process, pervious paving blocks measuring 200 mm × 100 mm × 60 mm were manufactured and subjected to a 3-stage curing process. The blocks were produced with a dry consistence to allow for vibrocompaction, closely mirroring the manufacturing techniques used in the precast industry and enabling immediate demoulding. Initially, all blocks underwent thermal curing at 70 °C for 24 hours, followed by storage in a climatic chamber (20 ± 3 °C, 65 ± 10 % relative humidity) for 7–14 days. Finally, they were exposed to a carbonation chamber with 5 % CO2 at 23 ± 2 °C, and 60 ± 10 % RH for up to 7 days. Blocks cured without carbonation served as control specimens. All blocks were tested following the European standard EN 1338, which governs the conformity of conventional concrete pavement blocks. Additional properties such as water permeability and water stability were also assessed. The results demonstrated that the accelerated carbonation curing significantly improved the performance of the blocks. Increases of 30 % and 60 % in compressive and splitting tensile strengths, respectively, were reported for the 7-day CO2-cured blocks when compared to their control counterparts. The 7-day carbon-cured blocks showed significantly improved abrasion resistance, with mass loss due to abrasion decreasing from 8.2 % to 5.6 % with 7 days of CO2 exposure. Additionally, microstructural enhancements were observed for the carbonated specimens, positively impacting their overall performance and making them compliant with the standard for practical paving block applications. However, further research is recommended to explore automation in the production process to ensure consistent results and facilitate future standardisation and certification of these blocks.

Mechanical and shrinkage properties of alkali-activated mortars with graphite tailings

To improve the problems of high CO2 emission generated by the preparation of silicate cement, large accumulation of solid waste, and depletion of natural sand resources, this paper investigates the effect of pozzolanic effect of graphite tailings (GT) on the mechanical properties, shrinkage properties and microstructure of alkali-activated mortar, and less research has been done on this related content. This paper partially replaced the natural sand with GT, and completely replaced the cement with fly ash and slag to prepare alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) mortar. The consequences of GT replacement rate on the mechanical and shrinkage characteristics of AAFS mortar were analyzed. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury-in-pressure (MIP), and nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS NMR) were used to examine the hydration degree, pore structure, and hydration products of AAFS mortar. The results demonstrated when the Na2O content was 7 % and the activator modulus was 1.0, the test group's 28-day flexural and compressive strengths at a 20 % GT replacement rate were increased by 19.49 % and 14.45 %, respectively, compared to the test group without GT. The appropriate quantity of GT reduced the AAFS mortar's drying shrinkage and increased the AAFS mortar's self-shrinkage. According to the microstructure analysis, GT had a pozzolanic effect: moderate doping of GT promoted the hydration reaction of precursors, improved the amount of C-(A)-S-H gel product generated, and improved AAFS mortar's mechanical and shrinkage properties.

Mechanical and shrinkage properties of cellulose nanocrystal modified alkali-activated fly ash/slag pastes

Alkali-activated materials based on fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) offer lower carbon footprints but face challenges like low tensile strength and shrinkage susceptibility. This research explores the potential of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as additives to enhance the mechanical and shrinkage properties of alkali-activated fly ash/slag (AAFS) pastes to advance sustainable construction materials. A comprehensive examination is conducted on the impact of different contents of CNC (0.05 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % by mass of FA + GGBFS) on the properties of AAFS pastes with two different alkaline activator contents (4 % and 8 % by mass of FA + GGBFS). It is found that incorporating 0.3 % CNC into AAFS pastes respectively improves the 28-day compressive and flexural strengths by 18.54 % and 60.87 % (8 % alkaline activator) and by 16.99 % and 50.12 % (4 % alkaline activator), and reduces the autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage by 26.42 % and 50.32 % (8 % alkaline activator) and by 11.74 % and 22.05 % (4 % alkaline activator). Also, the flexural/compressive strength ratio of AAFS pastes is increased with increasing CNC content. The microstructural analysis shows increased hydration product formation and a smoother, more compact morphology in CNC-modified samples, which together with water retention and distribution effect and nano-reinforcing effect of CNC explains the improvements in mechanical properties and volume stability. The research findings highlight the great potential of CNC as a reinforcing agent for sustainable construction materials, aligning with the demand from industries for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cementitious materials.

Micromechanical analysis of alkali-activated fly ash-slag paste subjected to elevated temperatures

To advance the development of high-temperature/fire-resistant alkali-activated materials, it is vital to understand their behaviour subjected to elevated temperatures. This paper presents a systematic experimental study on microstructural characteristics and micromechanical properties of alkali-activated fly ash-slag paste (AAFS) after exposure to 20–800 °C. The microstructural evolution in terms of morphology, phase assemblage and gel compositions was examined using backscattered scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometry (BSEM-EDS), while atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation tests were conducted to evaluate the micromechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Results indicate that the volume fraction of unreacted particles drops from 29.7 % to 4.0 %, whereas porosity in AAFS paste goes up from 4.1 % to 15.4 % at up to 800 °C. The average hardness and elastic modulus are in the ranges of 0.6–14.5 GPa and 27.0–104.2 GPa, respectively. Based on the obtained experimental results, the microstructure-micromechanical property relations and inherent damage mechanisms were then discussed in depth from a multiscale viewpoint.

Effects of Mg-based admixtures on chloride diffusion in alkali-activated fly ash-slag mortars

This study evaluated the effects of various Mg-based admixtures, including magnesium oxide (MgO), layered double hydroxides (LDH), and calcined layered double hydroxides (CLDH), on the chloride resistance of alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) mortars. To this end, chloride diffusion tests were conducted on AAFS mortars containing 5 wt% MgO, Mg-Al-CO3 LDH, and CLDH. The results revealed that all Mg-based admixtures investigated in this study enhanced the chloride resistance of AAFS mortars. The inclusion of MgO led to a finer pore structure and promoted the formation of more Friedel's salt, thereby enhancing the chloride resistance performance. Although the inclusion of Mg-Al-CO3 LDH and CLDH resulted in more lager pores in the matrix, leading to slightly lower compressive strength, the overall content of Mg-Al LDH and Friedel's salt formed in the system increased, which led to an improved chloride binding capacity and enhanced chloride resistance.

Role of sodium citrate in electrochemical behavior of reinforcing steel exposed to carbonated alkali-activated fly ash contaminated with chloride ions

Alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) is considered as a promising alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, the lack of calcium hydroxide in AAFA leads to an increased susceptibility to carbonation, thereby resulting in a decreased alkalinity of pore solutions in AAFA and significantly impacting the stability of steel passive films. To improve the corrosion resistance of steel in carbonated AAFA environments, sodium citrate was used as an environmentally-friendly corrosion inhibitor with three carboxylate groups. In this context, the corresponding electrochemical behavior of steel exposed to carbonated AAFA solutions with different concentrations of citrate was studied. In spite of the detrimental effect on the initial passivation behavior, sodium citrate was found to effectively improve the corrosion resistance to chloride attack for steel owing to a synergistic inhibition effect of adsorption film and precipitates on the steel surface. In addition, the correlation of citrate concentration and inhibition mechanism in carbonated AAFA solutions was revealed.

Preparation and properties of alkali-activated fly ash-waste brick porous building materials

This study explores the development of sustainable porous building materials through the alkali-activation of fly ash and waste clay brick powder. Utilizing Class F fly ash and brick powder from demolished buildings, a series of alkali-activated mortars with varying brick powder replacements (0 % to 50 % by mass) were formulated and analyzed. The results reveal that a 10 % brick powder replacement optimizes the compressive strength, reaching 73 MPa at 28 days, attributed to enhanced nucleation and calcium-rich gel formation. However, higher brick content reduces strength due to the dilution of key reactive materials, with a 50 % replacement leading to a strength of 27 MPa. Porosity increases proportionally with brick content, achieving a maximum of 42 % at 50 % replacement, suggesting potential applications in insulation-centric scenarios. Microstructural analysis confirms the formation of a porous network and identifies the phase compositions and reaction products. This research demonstrates the potential of repurposing construction waste into efficient and environmentally friendly building materials, contributing to waste reduction and offering a greener alternative to traditional practices.

Effect of 60 °C sustained temperature conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash-slag pastes and mortars

The temperature effect has been proven to affect the mechanical properties and microstructure of alkali-activated materials greatly. The research on the long-term complex high-temperature environment for alkali-activated materials remains blank. In this paper, the actual working temperature is selected to study the effects of long-term exposure at 60 °C on the mechanical properties of static/impact load, quality, shrinkage deformation, hydration products, pore structure, and microscopic morphology of alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS). The results show that the mass loss rate of AAFS tends to be stable, the shrinkage deformation rate decreases, and the compressive strength decreases after 28d of sustained high-temperature action. The sustained high temperature causes changes in the hydration product phase, mean chain length (MCL) of the gel phase, pore structure, and micro-morphology. When the duration for 7d and 28d at 60 °C temperature, the compressive strength under static and impact loads increases, which is related to the increase of diffraction peak and MCL of the gel phase; when the duration is 60d and 90d, the compressive strength under static/impact loads decreases, which is related to the increase of cumulative pore volume and the decrease of MCL. Sustained high temperature refines the pore diameter of AAFS samples.

Numerical Study on Static and Fatigue Behavior of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Concrete Modelled using Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) Model

Abstract Alkali-activated concretes (AAC) are considered as an alternative to Portland cement concretes because of their much lower carbon emissions. To study its characteristics is of utmost importance. In the present research, an attempt is made to create a numerical model to analyze the static and fatigue flexural behavior of alkali-activated fly ash concrete (FC) and compare them with ordinary Portland cement concrete (PCC). Three-point bending tests are simulated for the monotonic load to obtain the static behavior of a 2D notched rectangular beam. A 2D beam specimen of size 262.5 mm x 75 mm, with a notch of size 15 mm x 3 mm was provided at the bottom middle. Fly ash-based alkali-activated concrete (FC) and corresponding PCC of similar strength are modeled in ABAQUS CAE using the concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model. The ultimate loads, maximum deflection, and CMOD for each of them were obtained from the history output manager. The results of monotonic tests are utilized for creating a sinusoidal load cycle for fatigue tests with various loading frequencies and stress ratios. Different structural responses are examined under the fatigue test. The results showed that FC performs better than PCC under static and fatigue tests. Fatigue performance of both FC and PCC is influenced by the frequency of loading and fatigue life increases at higher frequencies. It is also found that stress reversal negatively impacts the fatigue life of both FC and PCC.

Hybrid alkali-activated fly ash-Portland cement binders with modified polymer as patch repair

The alternative patch repair derived from hybrid alkali-activated binders (HAAB) were investigated in this paper. The HAAB mortar was produced with fly ash (FA), Portland cement (PC), and polymer-modified material (PMM). The additives (PC and PMMs) were used to replace FA at the dosage of 30 % by weight of binder. The proportions of PC-to-PMM at 30:0, 20:10, 10:20, and 0:30 were investigated. Sodium silicate (NS) and sodium hydroxide (NH) solutions were used as the alkaline activators. Constant NS-to-NH ratio of 2.0 and liquid/solid binder ratio of 0.60 were used for all mixtures. Experimental results showed that the setting time, compressive and shear bond strengths of the HAAB mortars met the requirement for repair material as specified by ASTM standard. The 7-day bond strength increased with increasing PMM replacement up to an optimum level; thereafter, it started to decline. A combination of PC and PMM in FA-based HAAB enhanced the adhesion at contact zone. Moreover, the HAAB mortars showed greater durability compared to conventional PMMs after immersion in sulfate and acid solutions, as evidenced by its relatively low strength loss. The increased formation of ettringite might be the main factor for the substantial reduction in the strength of PMM mixes. Therefore, the HAAB mortar is an attractive choice for patch repair material in terms of excellent durability, high bond strength, cost-effectiveness, and low carbon footprint compared to conventional PMM.

Carbonation behavior of aged alkali-activated fly ash/slag binder modified by MgO with different reactivities

Carbonation behavior of aged alkali-activated fly ash/slag binder modified by MgO with different reactivities

Durability of alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete- state of art

India ranks among the foremost global producers and consumers of cement, and the cement industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Alkali-activated materials have gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, offering the potential to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and promote effective recycling of waste materials. Fly ash (FA) and Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) are preferred raw materials for Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) owing to their effective repurposing of waste, widespread accessibility, advantageous chemical composition, and performance attributes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state-of-the-art on the durability aspects of fly ash/slag-based AAC. The paper explores the unique characteristics of FA/GGBS-based AAC, emphasizing their potential to enhance the durability of concrete structures. Insights into the material behaviour under various environmental exposures, including aggressive chemical environments and freeze–thaw cycles, are presented. Furthermore, the article addresses both the obstacles and prospects associated with implementing fly ash/slag-based AAC as a potential construction material suitable for large-scale infrastructure projects. This overview is designed to direct future research efforts and provide practitioners with insights into the potential of FA/GGBS-based AAC for ensuring the prolonged durability of concrete structures.

Influence of raw material properties on microscopic and mechanical characteristics of alkali-activated materials

Alkali-activated fly ash and slag pastes are considered a new low-carbon cementitious material with good mechanical characteristics and durability. However, the mechanical characteristics of the alkali-activated materials are uncertain due to the multiplicity of the raw material properties. Few studies clarify how the raw material properties affect the mechanical characteristics of hardened pastes. The correlation between the raw material properties and the reaction rate, product composition, gel content, and pore size distribution is discussed in this study. The increase in the CaO content of the precursor will accelerate the degree of alkali activation. In this case, the reaction production becomes relatively more, and the pore size distribution becomes relatively denser, improving the compressive strength of the pastes. Moreover, the effects of the activator modulus and alkali content on the compressive strength of the pastes are not monotonically increasing. The excessive alkali will cause the surface of raw material particles to form a gel layer quickly, which could prevent the further alkali activation of the particles. This case is not conducive to gel formation and will cause the pore structure of the hardening pastes to be relatively loose. Furthermore, the influence of activator modulus on the compressive strength of pastes is lower than that of alkali content. Excess activator modulus is also unfavourable for pore structure densification.

Microstructure and Phase Characterization of Alkali-Activated Slag–Fly Ash Materials with Tetrasodium of 1-Hydroxy Ethylidene-1, 1-Diphosphonic Acid (HEDP·4Na)

The effect of tetrasodium of 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP·4Na) on the microstructure and phase characterization of alkali-activated fly ash–slag (AAFS) materials is not clear or well documented. In this study, XRD, DTG, TAM-air, and SEM analyses of AAFS were used to identify the microstructural changes in AAFS made with HEDP·4Na. Meanwhile, the workability and compressive strength of AAFS were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the early-age alkaline-activated reactions were retarded due to the addition of HEDP·4Na in the AAFS mixture. However, the degree of gel formation was relatively increased at a later age in the AAFS made with HEDP·4Na compared to the plain AAFS mixture. Additionally, in comparison to the control group, the incorporation of HEDP·4Na in AAFS specimens resulted in improved flowability, with increments of 5%, 15%, and 24% for concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, respectively. The initial and final setting times were prolonged by 5% to 50%, indicating a beneficial impact on the rheological properties of the AAFS fresh mixture. Furthermore, the addition of HEDP·4Na led to an improvement in compressive strength in the AAFS mixtures, with enhancements ranging from 13% to 16% at 28 days compared to the control group. With the presence of HEDP·4Na, the increase in the degree of reactions shifted to the formation of gel phases, like C-S-H, through the combined measurement of TGA, XRD, and SEM, resulting in a denser microstructure in the AAFS matrix. This study presents novel insights into the intricate compatibility between the properties of AAFS mixtures and HEDP·4Na, facilitating a more profound comprehension of the potential improvements in the sustainable development of AAFS systems.

The use of Egyptian volcanic glass powder as a potential source for improving the properties of alkali-activated fly ash cement

In this article, for the first time, the potential use of Egyptian volcanic glass powder (VGP) has emerged as an intriguing option. The intriguing potential advantages of incorporating VGP into alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) cement were explored. The volcanic glass (VG) was brought from the Egyptian eastern desert quarry in the form of lumps and fragments. To utilize it effectively, the VG was crushed and ground before being mixed with fly ash (FA). Various proportions of VGP ranging from 10% to 70% were blended with FA as a partial substitution. Both plain FA and those blended with VGP were then activated using an alkaline activator, resulting in the creation of alkali-activated cement. An investigation was conducted to assess the effect of various ratios of VGP on the flowability, compressive strength up to 90 days, resistance of drying/wetting cycles, crystalline phases, hydration products, and microstructures of AAFA cement. The results confirmed a positive effect of AAFA properties with including VGP. The obtained blended cement can be used in several potential applications such as in roadways, bridges and tunnels, facades and cladding, indoor and outdoor floorings, as well as aerospace and defense industries due to its high durability to resist the degradation caused by wetting/drying cycles.

Shrinkage characteristics of sustainable mortar and concrete with alkali-activated slag and fly ash Binders: A focused review

Alkali-activated binders are emerging as promising sustainable alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to their lower environmental footprint. They offer competitive mechanical properties and enhanced durability, making them attractive options for a wide range of construction and infrastructure applications. This paper is a focused review of key findings related to the shrinkage characteristics of mortar and concrete with alkali-activated slag and fly ash binders. Shrinkage induces nonuniform deformations in mortar/concrete, leading to the development of internal tensile stresses and the formation of cracks. Such cracks may be sufficiently large to facilitate the penetration of harmful substances, which may compromise the integrity of structural elements. Several studies indicated that the combination of fly ash and slag precursors in appropriate proportions produces mortar with favorable shrinkage cracks when compared to mortar with individual binders. This article discusses the influence of the following factors on shrinkage characteristics: binder type, binder proportions, water/binder ratio, binder content, aggregate content, alkaline activator type, and concentration. The article compares the shrinkage of mortar/concrete prepared using mostly alkali-activated slag and fly ash binders and compares their shrinkage response to OPC. Shrinkage types evaluated include chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, and drying shrinkage. Shrinkage responses reported in this article include the sample curing method and environment as they are known to influence durability, strength, and shrinkage characteristics. In general, mortar/concrete with alkali-activated fly ash and slag experience higher shrinkage rates than conventional concrete with OPC binders. The study further explores shrinkage mechanisms and methods to mitigate shrinkage in alkali-activated binders.

Strength characteristics of self-compacting concrete with alkali-activated fly ash

The primary goal of this study is to examine the impact of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/alkali-activated fly ash on the fresh properties and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The fresh properties, known as the workability of SCC characteristics, were determined using the U-box, V-funnel, J-ring, and L-box tests. The M30 grade SCC containing superplasticizer of 0.86 wt. % of cement is replaced with 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 40% of alkali-activated fly ash. On days 7, 14, and 28 after curing, the compressive strength and the splitting tensile strength of the SCC were examined. The study was further extended to evaluate the behavior of reinforced concrete beams containing fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag, whose size was 1200 × 100 × 150 mm3, under flexure loading. Based on the test results, it was found that the increase in the replacement of cement with alkali-activated fly ash increased the workability in the SCC. With the addition of superplasticizers, the SCC gained much more workability than conventional concrete containing no superplasticizer. The mechanical properties of 10% and 15% activated fly ash in Portland cement provided the maximum strength for the SCC at different ages of curing. The maximum first crack load and maximum ultimate flexure loading of the reinforced concrete beam containing 10% activated fly ash by weight of cement were greater than those of the control concrete beam. The microstructural scanning electron microscope observations confirmed that the alkali-activated fly ash increased the strength properties of the self-compacting concrete.