Fly Ash Research Articles

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties and Stability of Marine Dredged Mud with Improvement by Waste Steel Slag

As marine-dredged mud and waste steel slag in coastal port cities continue to soar, the traditional treatment method of land stockpiling has caused ecological problems. Thus, it is necessary to find a large-scale resource-comprehensive utilization method for dredged mud and waste steel slag. This study uses waste steel slag and composite solidifying agents (cement, lime, fly ash) to physically and chemically improve marine-dredged mud. The physical improvement effect of the particle size and dosage of waste steel slag was studied by the shear strength test under the effect of freeze–thaw cycle. Then, based on the Box–Behnken design of the response surface method, the interaction effects of the solidifying agent components on the unconfined compressive strength were studied. Then, the water stability under dry–wet cycles and a microscopic mechanism were analyzed by XRD and SEM tests. The results show that the waste steel slag with a dosage of 30% and a particle size of 1.18~2.36 mm has the best improvement. The interaction between cement and lime and lime and fly ash has a significant effect on the linear effect and surface effect of 7d unconfined compressive strength, and the strength increases first and then decreases with the increase in its dosage. For the 14d unconfined compressive strength, only the interaction between cement and lime is still significant. The unconfined compressive strength prediction model is established to optimize the mix ratio of the composite solidifying agent. In the water stability, the water stability coefficients of the 7d and 14d tests are 0.68 and 0.95, respectively, and the volume and mass loss rates are all below 1.5%, showing a good performance in dry–wet resistance and durability. Microscopic mechanism analysis shows that waste steel slag provides an ‘anchoring surface’ as a skeleton, which improves the pore structure of dredged mud, and the hydration products generated by the solidifying agent play a role in filling and cementation. The results of the study can provide an experimental and technical basis for the resource engineering of marine-dredged mud and waste steel slag, helping the construction of green low-carbon and resource-saving ports.

Performance evaluation and mix design of ambient-cured fly ash-phosphogypsum blended geopolymer paste and mortar

A practical mix design and performance metrics for fly ash-phosphogypsum blended geopolymer paste and mortar is lacking. This study focused on investigating the physico-chemo-mechanical performance and mix design of ambient-cured fly ash-phosphogypsum geopolymer paste (FPGP) and mortar (FPGM). The geopolymer was formed by reacting binary powder precursor (fly ash+phosphogypsum) and alkaline activator (NaOH+Na2SiO3). The fly ash was substituted with varying weight proportions of phosphogypsum (i.e., 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, 50 %). Experimental testing and analysis were done based on ASTM standards, XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, ANOVA, and Python. The workability, setting time, flexural strength, compressive strength, morphology, and mineralogy were studied. The multivariate regression approach was used to model the relationship between compressive strength and alkaline liquid/precursor. The optimum mixture conditions for FPGP and FPGM were 30 wt% phosphogypsum, alkaline liquid/precursor of 0.4, 10 M NaOH, Na2SiO3/NaOH of 1.5, and binder/aggregate of 1.0. The results showed that the workability of FPGP ranged from 185 mm to 112 mm while that of FPGM ranged from 145 mm to 100 mm. The FPGP and FPGM had considerably lower initial and final setting times of (18 – 37 min, 81 – 155 min) and (14 – 29 min, 67 – 142 min), respectively. The compressive strength of FPGP ranged from 7.3 MPa to 27.24 MPa while that of FPGM ranged from 9.5 MPa to 43.27 MPa. There was a strong connection between compressive and flexural strength giving R2 values > 0.8. Based on the adjusted R2 values and ANOVA, the proposed mix design models were statistically significant since the p-value (0.000) was less than the 0.05 significance level and the value of F (197.953) was greater than the critical value of 1. At high curing duration, the concentration of NaOH and alkaline liquid/precursor facilitated the dissolution of Ca2+ in phosphogypsum and Si4+and Al3+ in fly ash forming a C-(N)-A-S-H matrix crucial to the strength development of geopolymers. The statistical metrics implied a good performance accuracy and reliability of the proposed model equations and can find practical applications in construction materials design. For optimal results, it is recommended to use the prediction models within the specific input parameters employed in this study.

INFLUENCE AND PREDICTION OF SINTERED AGGREGATE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LIGHTWEIGHT ALKALI-ACTIVATED CONCRETE

The most effective method for mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of traditional concrete involves substituting cement and natural aggregate with waste and byproduct resources. Utilizing sintered lightweight aggregate (fly ash) in geopolymer concrete emerges as an efficient solution for managing and disposing of significant amounts of fly ash. The influence of sintered aggregate size distribution on the performance of alkali-activated concrete, focusing on compressive strength improvement. The study employs sintered fly ash aggregate (SFA) as coarse aggregate, aiming to optimize packing density through proper particle distribution. The highest compressive strength is achieved with a mix featuring 75% 4-8mm and 25% 8-12mm SFA. Regression-based strength models are developed, exhibiting good alignment with conventional concrete models. Thin section techniques reveal enhanced aggregate-matrix interaction due to the porous structure of SFA. The study emphasizes the potential of SFA in geopolymer concrete for sustainable construction. Lightweight geopolymer concrete, owing to its lower density, significantly reduces the overall structural load.

Data-Driven Optimised XGBoost for Predicting the Performance of Axial Load Bearing Capacity of Fully Cementitious Grouted Rock Bolting Systems

This article investigates the application of eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and hybrid metaheuristics optimisation techniques to predict the axial load bearing capacity of fully grouted rock bolting systems. For this purpose, a comprehensive dataset of 72 pull-out tests was built, considering various influential parameters such as three water-to-grout (W/G) ratios, five ranges of curing time (CT), three different grout admixtures with two different fly ash (FA) contents, and two different diameter confinements (DCs). Additionally, to find out the effect of the mechanical behaviour of grouts on the performance of fully grouted rock bolting systems, seventy-two uniaxial compression strength (UCS) samples were cast and tested simultaneously with pull-out samples. The UCS samples were prepared with the same details as the pull-out samples to avoid any inconsistency. The results highlight that peak load values generally increase with longer curing times, lower W/G, and higher UCS and DC values. The main novelty of this paper lies in its data-driven approach, using various XGBoost models. This method offers a time-, cost-, and labour-efficient alternative to traditional experimental methods for predicting rock bolt performance. For this purpose, after building the dataset and dividing it randomly into two training and testing datasets, five different XGBoost models were developed: a standalone XGBoost model and four hybrid models incorporating Harris hawk optimisation (HHO), the jellyfish search optimiser (JSO), the dragonfly algorithm (DA), and the firefly algorithm (FA). These models were subsequently evaluated for their ability to predict peak load values. The results demonstrate that all models effectively predicted peak load values, but the XGBoost-JSO hybrid model demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest R-squared coefficients of 0.987 and 0.988 for the training and testing datasets, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that UCS values were the most influential parameter, while FA content had the least impact on the maximum peak load values of fully cementitious grouted rock bolts.

Acoustic emission analysis of self-healing properties in cementitious materials with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) during different environments

This paper studies the coupling effect of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and fly ash on the self-healing performance of mortar. The three-point bending test was used to evaluate the mechanical property recovery effect of mortar specimens after curing in different environments, and the relationship between crack closure rate, flexural strength and flexural stiffness recovery was established. The amplitude and energy in acoustic emission were used to evaluate the characteristics of self-healing products. The results show that compared with the control specimens, the addition of SAP improves the crack closure rate and mechanical property recovery effect of mortar specimens. With the increase of SAP particle size and content, the mechanical property recovery rate and crack closure rate increase accordingly. The order of self-healing effect of specimens in different healing environments is saturated calcium hydroxide > water >97 % RH > air. After reloading, the amplitude number and cumulative energy of samples with SAP are larger than those of the control specimens. The SEM results also prove this, and the self-healing products in the crack area of the mortar specimens with SAP are denser than those in the control specimens.

Towards a sustainable thermodynamic optimization solution for preparing unburned low-carbon bricks from low-activity tailings

Basalt tailings, as an important type of solid waste in the mining industry and quarries, are mainly stacked in the open air or buried, causing huge potential harm to the environment and society. In this work, we propose a sustainable and promising utilization method for such low alkali activated tailings. A thermodynamic optimization solution and a design model for unburned low-carbon bricks composed entirely of solid waste were established, and the macro-microscopic mechanisms of hydrate formation and durability were comprehensively analyzed. Firstly, the thermodynamic reaction kinetics of the full chemical composition of basalt tailings modulated by fly ash were used to investigate the effects of different reaction material ratios on hydration products. Then, a new optimization design method of chemical thermodynamics model of alkali excitation was proposed. Further, the hydration mechanism of geopolymer was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed via test of mechanics, XRD, FTIR, SEM and AFM. The calculation results were very consistent with experimental research, and the basalt-based fly ash-modulated geopolymer brick through optimization met the requirements of durability, especially from the viewpoint of excellent high-temperature resistance. Finally, the life cycle assessment (LCA) method was adopted to analyze the carbon emission reduction potential of current eco-friendly bricks. The carbon emissions were approximately 15.6 % of that of sintered shale hollow bricks and 19.4 % of that of aerated concrete building blocks. Thermodynamic optimization design of alkali activated low-activity tailings unburned bricks technology is one-stone-for-two-birds strategy, which can effectively optimize the process of making bricks from tailings.

Developing alkali-activated controlled low-strength material (CLSM) using urban waste glass and red mud for sustainable construction

Using industrial waste in controlled low-strength material (CLSM) offers many benefits and addresses waste management issues. However, identifying optimal CLSM design while balancing environmental impacts and engineering properties poses a notable challenge. Herein, new alkali-activated CLSM formulations based on urban waste glass and red mud (RM) are proposed for the first time with systematic investigations into the material properties and sustainability. The formulations involve the ternary blends of slag, glass powder (GP) and RM as the binders and crushed glass as aggregate. Our observations show RM has a clay-like texture with complex crystalline phases rich in Al and Fe. Increasing the proportion of RM to GP notably decreases the flowability, extends the setting time and impairs the mechanical properties. Nevertheless, red mud demonstrates a crucial role of reducing bleeding level especially for the mixtures with high proportions of glass aggregate. The standard leachate tests as per toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) show the heavy metals leached from the CLSM are below the concentration limits and exhibit low mobility. The microstructural and thermodynamic analyses reveal the precipitation of calcium-(sodium-)aluminosilicate hydrate (C-(N-)A-S-H) as the major binding material. The reactive Fe and Al in red mud most probably contribute to the formation of hydrogarnet phases. Moreover, the suggested CLSM formations typically exhibit reduced carbon emissions and lower costs compared to the traditional CLSM produced with cement and fly ash, underlining their environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This study provides a potential guideline for the flowable fill construction in the regions with bauxite producers.

Organic and Inorganic Modifications to Increase the Efficiency in Immobilization of Heavy Metal (Zn) in Cementitious Composites—The Impact of Cement Matrix Pore Network Characteristics

This research investigated the properties of modified cementitious composites including water purification from heavy metal—zinc. A new method for characterizing the immobilization properties of tested modifiers was established. Several additions had their properties investigated: biochar (BC), active carbon (AC), nanoparticulate silica (NS), copper slag (CS), iron slag (EAFIS), crushed hazelnut shells (CHS), and lightweight sintered fly ash aggregate (LSFAA). The impact of modifiers on the mechanical and rheological properties of cementitious composites was also studied. It was found that considered additions had a significantly different influence over the investigated properties. The addition of crushed hazelnut shells, although determined as an effective immobilization modifier, significantly deteriorated the mechanical performance of the composite as well as its rheological properties. Modification by iron slag allowed for a significant increase in immobilization properties (five-fold compared to the reference series) without a substantial impact on other properties. The negative effect on immobilization efficiency was observed for nanoparticulate silica modification due to its sealing effect on the pore network of the cement matrix. The capillary pore content in the cement matrix was identified as a parameter significantly influencing the immobilization potential of most considered modifications, except biochar and active carbon.

Radionuclides' Dispersion from Coal-Fired Brick Kilns: Geo-Environmental Processes, Potential Risks and Management.

In order to investigate the distributions and possible dispersion mechanism(s) of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) from coal-based brick kilns, a systematic set (n = 60) of coal, ash, surface-soil, and subsurface soil samples were analyzed. High-quality analytical data of U, Th and K obtained from HPGe detector and TRIGA Mark-II research reactor-based neutron activation analysis were converted to the corresponding radioactivities. Average (n = 10) radioactivities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in coal samples were 15.6, 16.7, and 145.5Bq.kg-1, respectively, where only 40K surpassed the corresponding global mean value. Average (n = 10) radioactivities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in ash samples were 62.7, 88.5, and 521Bq.kg-1, respectively, where only 226Ra was within the established limit. In soil samples, average (n = 40) activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 62.7, 95.1, and 641Bq.kg-1, respectively, which have surpassed the corresponding worldwide mean values. The observed differences in activity levels between soil samples collected near and far from the kilns, as well as between topsoil and subsoil samples, suggest the presence of distinct transport mechanisms for NORMs within the pedosphere. Dispersions of NORMs from the brick kilns to the ambient pedosphere are largely governed by aerodynamic convection and hydrodynamic leaching. These mechanisms are also influenced by geochemical mobility and relative solubility of NORMs, as well as factors such as rainfall patterns and wind-flow direction. Radiological indices invoke long-term carcinogenic-risks, whereas aerodynamic convection of finer particles (coal fly ash) from chimneys can cause significant health hazards to the nearby dwellers. Scientific processes as well as public awareness are essential to mitigate the risks.

A Novel Landfill Liner Material for Solidified Lake Sediment Based on Industrial By-Product and Construction Waste: Engineering Behavior and Cr(VI) Breakdown Characteristics

Engineering sludge, industrial waste, and construction waste are marked by high production volumes, substantial accumulation, and significant pollution. The resource utilization of these solid wastes is low, and the co-disposal of multiple solid wastes remains unfeasible. This study aimed to develop an effective impermeable liner material for landfills, utilizing industrial slag (e.g., granulated blast furnace slag, desulfurized gypsum, fly ash) and construction waste to consolidate lake sediment. To assess the engineering performance of the liner material based on solidified lake sediment presented in landfill leachate, macro-engineering characteristic parameters (unconfined compressive strength, hydraulic conductivity) were measured using unconfined compression and flexible wall penetration tests. Simultaneously, the mineral composition, functional groups, and microscopic morphology of the solidified lake sediment were analyzed using microscopic techniques (X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy + energy dispersive spectroscopy). The corrosion mechanism of landfill leachate on the solidified sediment liner material was investigated. Additionally, the breakdown behavior of heavy metal Cr(VI) within the solidified sediment liner barrier was investigated via soil column model experiments. The dispersion coefficient was computed based on the migration data of Cr(VI). Simultaneously, the detection of Cr(VI) concentration in pore water indicated that the solidified sediment liner could effectively impede the breakdown process of Cr(VI). The dispersion coefficient of Cr(VI) in solidified sediments is 5.5 × 10−6 cm2/s–9.5 × 10−6 cm2/s, which is comparable to the dispersion coefficient of heavy metal ions in compacted clay. The unconfined compressive strength and hydraulic conductivity of the solidified sediment ranged from 4.90 to 5.93 MPa and 9.41 × 10−8 to 4.13 × 10−7 cm/s, respectively. This study proposes a novel approach for the co-disposal and resource utilization of various solid wastes, potentially providing an alternative to clay liner materials for landfills.

Review of Recent Developments in Tensile Properties of Engineered Geopolymer Composites

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) is a type of highly ductile cementitious material. However, due to its characteristics of high energy consumption and high carbon emissions, it is necessary to seek a new type of low-carbon and environmentally friendly substitute. Engineered Geopolymer Composite (EGC), as a promising construction material for replacing ECC, has broad application prospects. Through visual analysis of the relevant literature in Web of Science, it was discovered that the research on EGC mainly concentrates on aspects such as the types of precursors, the chemical composition of the alkali-activated solution, and the related parameters of fibers. This paper mainly combines the relevant experimental research data on the tensile properties of EGC conducted by scholars at home and abroad, and focuses on analyzing the influence of precursor types, the chemical composition of the alkaline activator, and fibers on the tensile properties of EGC. The statistical results indicate that fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) are the most commonly used precursor materials. Replacing an appropriate amount of fly ash in the precursor with GGBFS can significantly enhance the tensile strength of EGC. The type of alkaline activator and its molarity have a relatively obvious influence on the tensile properties of EGC. An increase in the molarity of NaOH within a certain range can enhance the tensile strength of EGC. Furthermore, the incorporation of fibers, especially synthetic fibers such as polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, as well as inorganic fibers such as glass fibers (GF) and carbon fibers (CF), can effectively enhance the tensile strength and tensile strain capacity of EGC. The use of hybrid fibers may further improve the tensile properties.

Impact Resistance and Flexural Strength of Concrete Containing Fly Ash and Glass Powder

Impact Resistance and Flexural Strength of Concrete Containing Fly Ash and Glass Powder

Sustainable Concrete Technology in the Field of Transmission Infrastructure: A Review

The increasing demand for energy and the imperative shift towards sustainable infrastructure have propelled research efforts towards developing eco - friendly materials for critical applications such as power transmission projects. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainable concrete technologies tailored specifically for power transmission infrastructure. The study delves into the environmental impact of conventional concrete used in such projects and explores innovative approaches to enhance sustainability. The review encompasses various aspects, including the incorporation of alternative binders such as fly ash, slag, and silica fumes, as well as the optimization of mix designs to reduce carbon footprint. Special attention is given to the performance, durability, and long - term resilience of sustainable concrete in comparison to traditional counterparts. Moreover, the document discusses the economic feasibility of implementing sustainable concrete in power transmission projects, considering factors such as material cost, construction practices, and life - cycle analysis. The abstract concludes with insights into ongoing research trends and potential future developments in sustainable concrete technologies, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers to promote environmentally conscious practices in the realm of power transmission infrastructure, taking into account desired power transmission best performance.

Enhanced leaching control of chromium, antimony, and chlorine utilizing CO2-curing slag-fly ash-based agent

This study strives to address the technical bottleneck posed by leaching risks associated with Cr, Sb, and soluble Cl in low-carbon slag-fly ash-based cementitious materials (BFCM) according to our previous research. The introduction of CO2 activation significantly enhances the dissociation of BFS, leading to superior mechanical performance and environmental safety of BFCM. LT3 matrix of BFCM (BFS: MSWI fly ash: FGDG: cement= 42: 20: 10: 28) showed excellent compressive strength (46.79Mpa at 7d). The LT3 matrix enables effective solidification/stabilization (S/S) of Cr, Sb, and Cl with CO2-curing (7d). Furthermore, the leaching concentrations of Sb and Cl within LT system, exhibit a positive correlation, while they demonstrate a negative correlation with Cr. Sb primarily relies on the levels of Ca2+ and OH- in the leaching solution, critical for the formation and stability of Ca-Sb precipitation based Visual MINTEQ fitting. CO2-curing enhances the S/S efficiency of Cl by accelerating the ion exchange of Cl- with OH- in C-A-H and SO42- in the AFm phase, leading to the formation of functional Friedel’s salt. This process is characterized by OH- dissolution and subsequent CaSO4 crystallization. The LT system activated by CO2 exhibited accelerated reaction kinetics relative to traditional hydration (LH), characterized by rapid BFS dissociation and the formation of functional hydration products such as ettringite, C-(A)-S-H, and Friedel's salt. This process also reduced macropores and capillary pores of BFCM, a positive correlation exists between the relative macropore content and Cl leaching levels, whereas the decrease in both macropores and capillary pores is associated with ettringite crystallization.

Prediction of Mechanical and Tensile Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Waste Copper Slag by Artificial Neural Network-ANN

Prediction of Mechanical and Tensile Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Waste Copper Slag by Artificial Neural Network-ANN

Zirconosilicate Sorbent Based on Waste Fly Ash Cenospheres for Cesium Immobilization in a Ceramic Form

Zirconosilicate Sorbent Based on Waste Fly Ash Cenospheres for Cesium Immobilization in a Ceramic Form

Study on the Effect of Jute CNFs Addition on the Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

This study investigates the influence of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforced with jute cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on the water absorption and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. The integration of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites into geopolymer concrete is explored as a strategy to enhance both its durability and mechanical performance. Geopolymer concrete, a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement concrete, is known for its low carbon footprint, but it suffers from high brittleness and water absorption. The water absorption behavior of the modified concrete was assessed, revealing a significant reduction in water uptake due to the hydrophobic nature of TPU and the reinforcing effect of jute CNFs. Additionally, the mechanical properties, including compressive and flexural strengths, were evaluated to understand the impact of the nanocomposites on the structural integrity of the concrete. The addition of TPU/jute CNFs notably enhanced the splitting tensile strength (63.5%), compressive strength (59%), and water absorption (0.59%) of the composite, indicating a promising route for developing high-performance construction materials. The integration of 6 wt% of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites was found to be optimal, resulting in a uniform matrix, reduced micro-cracks, and improved compressive strength due to enhanced adhesion between the nanocomposites and the geopolymer matrix. Furthermore, a curing temperature of 100 °C was identified as ideal, minimizing unreacted fly ash and enhancing adhesion strength, while higher temperatures (140 °C) led to material deterioration due to rapid water loss. The findings demonstrate that the addition of TPU/jute CNF nanocomposites not only improves resistance to water penetration but also enhances overall mechanical performance. This supports the development of more sustainable and resilient construction materials, contributing to global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Future research should focus on the long-term durability of these composites under various environmental conditions to validate their effectiveness in real-world applications.

Concretes meeting the requirements of sustainable construction

The article concerns the production of lightweight geopolymer concretes based on raw materials from alkali-activated waste, which is consistent with the doctrine of sustainable construction. Fly ash, which is the main component of these geopolymer composites, constitutes energy waste and causes lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants than traditional cement. The article presents the optimisation of the geopolymer concrete recipe with different dosages of fly ash (200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 kg/m3) and two recipes, the first of which is based on the use of fly ash aggregate, the largest fraction of which was subjected to surface impregnation, and the second one is based on the use of aggregate without any impregnation. Both recipes use an alkaline solution for alkaline activation with a concentration of 6 mol/dm3. Compressive strength tests and apparent density were carried out on the samples. The adequacy of the use of surface impregnation has been demonstrated in the case of low fly ash content (<500 kg/m3), and the optimal recipe based on fly ash in the amount of 600 kg/m3 was indicated.

Analysis of the Impact and Mechanism of Polyacrylate-Based Composite Paste on the Performance of Recycled Aggregate

This study developed three composite slurries for coating recycled aggregate by incorporating polyacrylate emulsion, fly ash, and gypsum into a cement-based mixture. The filling and pozzolanic effects of fly ash help to improve microcracks in the recycled aggregates. The polyacrylate emulsion forms a strong bonding layer between the cement matrix and the aggregates, enhancing the interfacial bond strength. Based on relevant studies, the following mix designs were developed: Slurry 1 consists of pure cement paste; Slurry 2 contains 15% fly ash and 3% gypsum added to the cement paste; Slurry 3 adds 22% polyacrylate emulsion to the slurry. The study first compared the effects of the three composite slurries on the crushing value and water absorption of recycled aggregates, and then analyzed their impact on the mechanical properties, permeability, and drying shrinkage of concrete. Finally, the mechanisms behind the enhancement were investigated using the Vickers Hardness Test (HV), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that the polyacrylate emulsion composite slurry had the most significant improvement effect. For recycled aggregate AL, the crushing value decreased from 28.8% to 22.5% and the saturated surface–dry water absorption decreased from 15.1% to 13.8% after cement slurry modification. After coating with the composite slurry, the crushing value further dropped to 18.2% and the water absorption to 9.5%. Two aspects of the performance of recycled aggregates are enhanced with the polymer composite slurry: first, fly ash provides nucleation sites for CH, reducing the tendency for directional CH alignment. Second, the long chains of PAE (polyacrylic ester) encapsulate cementitious particles, effectively filling surface defects on the recycled aggregates, improving the bonding strength at the new-to-old interface, and significantly enhancing the performance of both recycled aggregates and recycled concrete.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Cements with Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, Fly Ash and Desert Sand

In this study, desert sand was used as supplementary materials in alkali-activated cements (AAC) with granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA). For the first time, a systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of various treatment methods and contents of desert sand on the strength and microstructure of AAC. This study also analyzed the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis (SEM-EDX), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), pH values, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) properties of AAC pastes containing differently treated desert sand to uncover the mechanisms by which these treatments and dosages influence mechanical properties of AAC. Untreated desert sand (DS), temperature-treated desert sand (DS-T), and ground desert sand for two different durations (20 mins and 30 mins) all exhibited some pozzolanic activity but primarily acted as fillers in the AAC pastes. Among the samples, DS-T demonstrated the highest pozzolanic activity, though it was still less than that of fly ash (FA). The optimal dosage for the modified desert sands was determined to be 10%. However, The optimal dosage of different modified desert sands is 10%. The flexural strength of DS-G30-10 reaches 6.62 MPa and the compressive strength reaches 72.3 MPa, showing the best comprehensive mechanical properties.