Hydration Products Research Articles

Towards a further understanding of cement hydration at the early-age stage in the presence of hydrophobic silane IBTEO

Hydrophobic silane hinders internal water penetration by tuning the surface wettability of concrete. The presence of hydrophobic groups in the silane was observed to adversely influence early cement hydration. This study employs a combination of calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis to investigate the effects of hydrophobic isobutyl-triethoxysilane (IBTEO) on cement hydration. The results demonstrate that the silicate reaction integral to cement hydration slows as the concentration of hydrophobic silane increases. The nucleation of hydration products, such as calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), exhibits heightened sensitivity to the presence of hydrophobic silane. Although hydrophobic silane marginally impacts the initial dissolution of cement particles, it significantly decreases ion dissolution after 60 min. This reduction in hydration rate and the consequent delay in the emergence of the second exothermic peaks in hydration are attributable to the negative impact of the hydrophobic functional groups on the silicate reactions and the formation of hydrogen bonds. These findings offer new perspectives on the impact of hydrophobic silanes on cement hydration, potentially guiding the development of silane-cement systems towards enhanced superhydrophobicity and improved permeability.

Using waste to improve the weak: Recycled seashell as an ideal way to regulate the interfacial transition zone in biochar-cement composites

The strategy of partially substituting cement with carbon-negative biochar to fabricate biochar-cement composites can represent a promising approach to reducing the carbon emissions of the construction industry. However, the detrimental impact on strength development from excessive biochar incorporation remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, this study pioneers a strategy to modify wood waste-derived biochar using seashell waste for enhancing its binding with the cement matrix. Employing a mechanochemical process, the shell-modified biochar was synthesized using oyster shell (OS) and wood waste (WW). The compressive strength of cement composites incorporating 5 wt% modified biochar improved by 3.9–17% compared to the referenced biochar. Even with high biochar incorporation (30 wt%), the compressive strength increased by 58.2% upon modifying the biochar at the OS/WW ratio of 1:9 (10SBC). The modified biochar refined the pore structures, accelerated the hydration kinetics, improved the degree of hydration, and fostered the development of the C-S-H gel network with a longer silicate chain and a higher polymerization degree. Furthermore, the strength enhancement of the biochar-cement composites was attributed to the improved micro-mechanical properties at the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which increased the volume fraction of high-density C-S-H by 64.4–112% and decreased the low-density C-S-H fraction by 41.8–52.6%. Notably, 10SBC demonstrated a superior improvement due to its cohesive bond with the C-S-H gel and the concurrent densification of C-S-H in the ITZ, which was facilitated by the growth of Ca-/Al-rich hydration products. Overall, this study synergistically upcycled wood and seashell waste into value-added cement additives, thereby achieving strength enhancement of the cement composites.

Inhibiting efflorescence of alkali-activated slag mortar by improving its hydrophobicity with methyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS): Evidences showing the remained PDMS

This paper proposes to prepare hydrophobic alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortars with methyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a hydrophobic polymer with low surface energy, to minimize its water sorptivity and efflorescence. To depict the efflorescence process of PDMS-modified AAS mortars, visual inspections of efflorescence features, the leaching behavior of sodium ions, water absorption characteristics of mortars and contact angle tests were conducted. Additionally, the hydration process, microscopic morphology, and chemical structure of PDMS-modified AAS mortars and pastes were examined by compressive strength, isothermal calorimetry, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, 29Si NMR, enabling the explanation of PDMS working mechanisms. The results demonstrated that the addition of PDMS successfully mitigated esthetic issues and the spalling of mortars caused by efflorescence. Furthermore, PDMS reduced the risk of long-term durability issues of AAS mortars by restricting the loss of sodium ions after efflorescence. At the same time, the introduction of PDMS with dosage below 5 % did not significant retarder the hydration reaction process or the development of strength of AAS. However, it did alter the micromorphology and chemical structure of the hydration product. PDMS linked to the hydration products through covalent bonds and acted as a bridging role to alter the micromorphology of the hydration products. The resulting multi-structured material exhibited micropapillary and nano-coating layers with hydrophobic methyl functional groups, imparting hydrophobicity to the PDMS-AAS hydration product.

Hydration performance of OWC pastes incorporating GO with various oxygen contents and sizes

This paper explores the reinforcement and toughening of oil well cement (OWC) by incorporating various oxygen content and size of graphene oxides (GO) at 50 °C, and then explores the mechanism of GO in OWC. Hydration heat evolution of OWC paste was tested using isothermal calorimetry. The hydration products and microstructure of OWC paste were examined using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Results suggest that the dispersion performance of GO in Ca(OH)2 solution (CH) enhanced by increasing of oxygen content and enlarging of size in GO. Higher oxygen content and larger size of GO result in lower fluidity and shorter thickening time of OWC paste. The hydration reaction of OWC paste accelerated by incorporating GO with larger size. A more densely packed microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties in GO-bearing OWC pastes are achieved, particularly in early hydration, which can be attributed to the formation of C–S–H with a comb-like structure and denser aggregated calcium hydroxide by incorporating of GO. The increased in oxygen content and enlargement in size of GO further enhanced this effect. Incorporating GO with higher oxygen content and larger size led to further improvements in the strength performance of OWC hardened paste.

Performance of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement prepared by MgCl2·6 H2O replacing MgSO4·7 H2O

Despite the influence of Cl- on the properties of cement-based materials, water containing Cl- is more convenient for manufacturing cement-based materials in special areas such as islands and reef construction, compared to fresh water. However, research on the effects of Cl- on the properties of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement was limited. In this paper, MOS cement was prepared by replacing MgSO4·7 H2O with MgCl2·6 H2O to investigate the effect of Cl- on the evolution of MOS cement properties. The mechanical properties, water resistance, phase composition, and microstructure of MOS cement were analyzed. When the replacement rate of MgSO4·7 H2O with MgCl2·6 H2O reached 5 %, MOS cement achieved its highest compressive strength of 77.5 MPa after curing for 90 days, despite a reduction in flexural strength due to MgO hydration. After immersion in water, the trend of compressive strength change in MOS cement remained insensitive to increasing immersion time. During the curing process, Cl- facilitated the formation of hexagonal Mg(OH)2 by participating in the hydration products formation process of MOS cement. Hexagonal Mg(OH)2 contributed to matrix construction and became connected with the 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7 H2O phase. Additionally, Cl- promoted the formation of the modified 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7 H2O phase, known as Mg-S-O-H-Cl phase. After immersion in water, the Mg-S-O-H-Cl phase displayed stability, showcasing their capacity to maintain compressive strength relative stability despite adverse factors such as ions leaching (including Mg2+, SO42-, and Cl-) and the phase transformation of MgO.

Effects of Cement Dosage, Curing Time, and Water Dosage on the Strength of Cement-Stabilized Aeolian Sand Based on Macroscopic and Microscopic Tests.

Aeolian sand is distributed worldwide, exhibiting poor grading, low cohesion, and loose structure. Infrastructure construction in desert areas sometimes requires stabilization of the sand, with cement as the primary curing agent. This study first employed orthogonal experiments to evaluate critical factors, e.g., curing time, cement dosage, and water dosage, affecting the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the aeolian sand stabilized with cement (ASC). Each of the aforementioned factors were set at five levels, namely curing time (7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days), cement dosage (3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, and 11%), and water dosage (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%), respectively. The water and cement dosages were percentages of the mass of the natural aeolian sand. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the influencing factors on the UCS of ASC was cement dosage, curing time, and water dosage in descending order. The UCS of ASC positively correlated with curing time and cement dosage, while it first increased and then decreased with the water dosage increase. The optimal conditions were 90 days' curing time, 11% cement dosage, and 9% water dosage. The microscopic analyses of ASC using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that hydration products enhanced strength by bonding loose particles and filling pores, thereby improving compaction. The quantity and compactness of hydration products in the aeolian-cement reaction system increased with the increases in cement dosage and curing time, and low water dosage inhibited the hydration reaction. This study can provide insights into the stabilization mechanism of aeolian sand, aiding infrastructure development in desert regions.

Effect of Triterpenoid Saponins as Foaming Agent on Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Foam Concrete.

Geopolymer foam concrete (GFC), an emerging thermal insulation material known for its environmentally friendly and low-carbon attributes, has gained prominence for its use in bolstering building energy efficiency. A critical challenge in GFC production is foam destabilization by the alkaline environment in which foam is supersaturated with salt. In this study, GFC was prepared by using triterpene saponin (TS), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as blowing agents, with fly ash as the precursor and calcium carbide slag (CA) combined with Glauber's salt (GS, Na2SO4 ≥ 99%) as the activator. The effect of GFC on mechanical properties was analyzed by examining its fluidity, pore structure, dry density, and compressive strength. The results show that TS has a stable liquid film capable of adapting to the adverse effects of salt supersaturation and alkaline environments. TS is highly stable in the GFC matrix, and so the corresponding pore size is small, and the connectivity is low in the hardened GFC. In addition, the hydration products of GFC exhibit different morphologies depending on the surfactant used. TS has better water retention due to hydrogen bonding, which facilitates the hydration process.

Multi-objective optimization, shrinkage and fracture properties of unsaturated polyester resin modified concrete for bridge deck pavement based on system theory

For the purpose of fabricating unsaturated polyester modified concrete (UPMC) with excellent shrinkage and fracture properties for bridge deck pavement, the optimization design of mix proportion and enhancement mechanism analysis were implemented based on system theory. Firstly, for unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) subsystem, the viscosity, mechanical properties and droplet-size distribution were analyzed to determine the types and dosage of auxiliary additives after emulsification treatment; Next, for UPMC mortar slave-system, the optimization design was implemented through the combination of experimental analysis and hybrid multi-attribute ellipsoidal decision of grey-target (HMEDG) model; Subsequently, for UPMC main-system, the optimal proportion was determined utilizing orthogonal design test. Finally, the variation law and enhancement mechanism on fracture properties and shrinkage characteristics of UPMC was analyzed by combining macroscopic test, thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that 2.0 wt%BPO+1.0 wt%DMA and meta-benzene types UPR were utilized as auxiliary additives for UPMC based on the results of HMEDG models. The demulsified and cured WUP might supplement the interior moisture losses based on humidity compensation, and substantially constrain the evaporation loss inside the matrix, upgrading the hydration degree and facilitating the generation of hydration products. The introduction of 3 %-6 % waterborne-UPR (WUP) would improve 28d-fracture toughness within approximately 23.33 %-49.32 %, and reduce the shrinkage deformation by roughly 28–43 % through inducing the crack tip stress redistribution against the initiation and propagation of interior microcracks and enhancing the homogenization and densification.

An Experimental Study on the Performance of Materials for Repairing Cracks in Tunnel Linings under Erosive Environments

Addressing the current lining cracking problem in coastal tunnels, this paper independently introduces a novel type of repair material for tunnel lining cracks—the composite repair material consisting of waterborne epoxy resin and ultrafine cement (referred to as EC composite repair material). Through indoor testing, we have analyzed the change rule of the mass change rate, compressive strength, flexural strength, and chloride ion concentration of the repair material samples in erosive environments, with the dosage of each component in the EC composite repair material being varied. We have also investigated the working performance, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the repair material. The results of this study show that when the proportion of each component of ultrafine cement, waterborne epoxy resin, waterborne epoxy curing agent, waterborne polyurethane, defoamer, and water is 100:50:50:2.5:0.5:30, the performance of the EC composite repair material in a chloride ion-rich environment is optimal in all aspects. When the mixing ratio of each component of the EC composite repair material is as stated above, the repair material exhibits the best performance in a chloride ion erosion environment. With this ratio of components in the EC composite repair material, the fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond strength of the repair material in a chloride ion erosion environment can meet the requirements of relevant specifications, and it is highly effective in repairing tunnel lining cracks. The polymeric film formed by the reaction between the waterborne epoxy resin emulsion and the curing agent fills the pores between the hydration products, resulting in a densely packed internal structure of EC composite repair material with enhanced erosion resistance, making it very suitable for repairing cracks in tunnel linings in erosive environments.

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Strength, Damage Process, and Microstructure of Lithium Tailing Backfilling.

In this study, common multiwalled and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to the cemented lithium tailings backfill (CLTB). The effects of CNTs on the mechanical properties, hydration products, damage process, and microstructure of CLTB specimens were studied by uniaxial compression (UCS), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results show that the addition of CNTs effectively increased the compressive strength compared with the blank control group. When the concentration was 0.05-0.20%, the compressive strength was proportional to the content, the optimal addition amount was 0.2%, and the enhancement effect was 75% and 95.31%, respectively. The FT-IR results indicate that the addition of CNTs increased the total amount of the hydration product but did not affect its type. The hydration of the three-dimensional reciprocal penetration network formed by moderate amounts of CNTs has a positive effect on the mechanical strength of CLTB specimens.

Effect of Composite Fibers and Fly Ash on the Properties of Portland–Sulfoaluminate Composite Cement-Based Grouting Sealing Materials

Current conventional cement materials are no longer able to meet the actual usage needs of geotechnical engineering. In order to improve the workability of cement materials used in geotechnical, transportation, and mining engineering, it is necessary to improve the formulation of cement materials. Polypropylene fibers (PVAF), polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PPF), and fly ash (FA) are used in this study to modify Portland–sulfoaluminate composite cement to improve the workability of the cement material system. Meanwhile, the microstructure that affects the system performance was also studied. The research results indicate that adding FA to the composite cement system can improve its fluidity. In the later stage of hydration, due to the volcanic ash reaction, the production of hydration products will increase, but it will not affect the type of hydration products. Adding PPF-PVAF can effectively improve the strength performance of the cement system. The compressive strength reached 24.61 MPa after 28 days of curing, which was 13.8% higher than the blank sample. Adding calcium hydroxide powder and FA to the system can improve the fluidity of the cement system to a certain extent and positively impact the later strength. After 28 days of curing, the compressive strength of experimental group 9 reached 30.21 MPa, which increased by 70.5% compared to after 7 days These results were found at the microscopic level, based on analyses via XRD, TG, and SEM. The Mix-EXP cured for 28 days has better hydration product content and composition arrangement of cement slurry than the O-S-C cured for 28 days.

New insights into the interaction between sorbitol-based liquid-type temperature rise inhibitor and cement hydration: From experiments to molecular dynamic simulations

The use of temperature rise inhibitors (TRIs) holds significant promise in mitigating thermal cracking issues in modern concrete by controlling the precipitation of C-S-H gel, the main product of cement hydration. However, the complexity of their interaction with the non-classical nucleation process of C-S-H remains unclear. This study systematically investigated the influence of a sorbitol-based liquid-type temperature rise inhibitor (L-TRI) on the hydration kinetics of cement suspension using a combination of methods, including conductivity testing, pore solution analysis, and molecular dynamic simulations. It is revealed that the admixture-to-water ratio, rather than admixture-to-cement ratio, governs the effect of L-TRI on cement hydration. The disturbance of L-TRI molecules in the pore solution, mainly calcium complexation and water stabilization, plays a decisive role in inhibiting the secondary nucleation of C-S-H and decelerating the following growth. In contrast, L-TRI has a negligible influence on cement dissolution and the formation of C-S-H precursor.

Multi-scale investigation on curing time effect of lime stabilized red mudstone as fill material for high-speed railway subgrade

The utilisation of red mudstone waste as subgrade fill material after lime stabilization can meet the requirements of green development. This study aims at investigating the lime stabilization effect on the changes in mechanical properties and microstructure of compacted red mudstone fill material, with particular emphasis on the curing time effect. Red mudstone fill material were stabilized by 4 % lime, and the unconfined compressive strength, direct shear strength and microstructure of the lime-stabilized fill material specimens were determined at various curing times. Results show that the lime stabilization can significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength, modulus and direct shear strength and effectively mitigate the water sensitivity of the red mudstone fill material. The density function curve of the saturated red mudstone fill material shows monomodal characteristic, but the saturated lime stabilized fill material still maintains bimodal characteristic even with only one day of curing. The microstructure modification induced by lime stabilization mainly results from the rapid flocculation of soil particles and the formation of hydration product. During curing, the percentage of the nano-pores increases, mainly attributes to the formation of C-A-S-H which fills the micro-pores gradually.

Thermo-pressure coupling model for gas hydrate depressurization exploitation in South China Sea

The sediment type in the “Shenhu” sea area of the South China Sea is mud sediment, with poor reservoir physical conditions, and the seabed is loose with a small pressure window. These conditions pose heightened safety challenges for the extraction of hydrates in this region. This study develops a multiphase flow model that accounts for the endothermic decomposition of hydrates and employs the finite difference method for its solution. Utilizing this model, the multiphase flow characteristics during depressurization extraction at a specific well in the “Shenhu” area are investigated. Building on this, the study analyses the impact of varying pump rates and geothermal gradients on multiphase flow properties, hydrate yield, and engineering safety. Based on the analytical findings, recommendations are proposed to balance hydrate production with engineering safety, effectively mitigating potential engineering accidents during depressurization extraction. The outcomes of this research offer technical guidance for the commercial exploitation of hydrates in the “Shenhu” area of the South China Sea, laying a foundation for future related studies.

Preparation and property study of sawdust-modified cement mortar

Sawdust, a solid waste generated during stone processing, poses a serious threat to the environment with its untreated accumulation. This paper first analyzes the chemical composition and physical properties of sawdust, and discusses its mechanism of action in cement mortar. By systematically optimizing the blending ratio and modification method of sawdust, the sawdust-modified cement mortar with excellent performance was prepared. This study evaluates the key performance indicators of sawdust-modified cement mortar, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability, through a series of experiments. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of an appropriate amount of sawdust significantly enhances the mechanical properties of cement mortar, while also improving its durability, particularly in terms of freeze-thaw resistance. Microstructural analysis reveals the mechanism by which sawdust improves the pore structure of cement mortar; the active components in the sawdust react with the hydration products of cement, resulting in the formation of crystalline structures with higher strength.Therefore, the use of sawdust as a modifier in cement mortar can improve its mechanical properties and durability, while simultaneously reducing the accumulation of solid waste and promoting the sustainable development of building materials.

Influence of microwave curing on the early performance of heat-stored LC3 composites

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), as a new green cementitious material, has a wide range of functional applications in cement-based composite materials. Heat-stored LC3 effectively achieve energy-saving and carbon reduction in buildings. However, the addition of phase change material (PCM) particles leads to a significant decrease in strength, which imposes higher requirements on early performance. To address this issue, this study adopts microwave curing technology to rapidly enhance the early performance of heat-stored LC3, with a specific focus on the influence of microwave curing on the early mechanical properties, hydration products, and microstructure of heat-stored LC3. The results showed that microwave curing at a power of 320 W for 5 min increased the 3-day compressive strength of heat-stored LC3 by 87.3 %, without adversely affecting the later-stage strength, thus compensating for the deficiency in early strength. Microstructure and pore structure analysis revealed that the enhancement of early strength by microwave curing was mainly attributed to the promotion of early hydration of clinker and the activation of pozzolanic reaction occurred calcined clay. The additional formation of C-(A)-S-H gel reduced the matrix porosity, improved overall integrity, and enhanced the microstructure. Additionally, the temperature regulation capability of heat-stored LC3 was verified, ensuring its auxiliary temperature regulation function while maintaining reliable mechanical properties and excellent early strength.

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.

Study on the Compatibility of Acrylic Acid-acrylamide-diethyldiallyl Ammonium Chloride Copolymer with Cement Slurry in CO2 Environment.

This paper investigates the structure and aggregation stability of acrylic acid-acrylamide-diethyldiallylammonium chloride (FA367), followed by an investigation into the impact of acidic CO2 environments on the interaction between FA367 and cement slurry. The results showed that FA367 formed stable flocculation in cement slurry filtrate, which was not affected by acid gas CO2. With an FA367 concentration of 0.6%, the fluidity of the cement slurry measures 18.1 cm, but this fluidity is lost upon introducing CO2. At 90 °C, the compressive strength after 1, 3, and 7 days is 10.23, 77.48, and 62.97%, respectively, compared to pure cement. However, with the addition of CO2, the compressive strength increases to 27.03, 99.59, and 75.47%, respectively. The interaction between FA367 and cement slurry impedes cement hydration without altering hydration product composition. Instead, it fosters needle-like aggregations between hydration products, affecting the cement stone's compact structure. Upon CO2 introduction, these needle-like structures diminish, resulting in an overall more intact cement stone structure.

Preparation of coal gangue foam concrete modified by nanomaterials: Physical properties, pore structure, and electromagnetic properties

In this study, coal gangue foam concrete (CGFC) was modified with nanomaterials to optimize its electromagnetic wave (EWV) absorption performance. Single-factor test was carried out to explore the effects of nano-silica (NS) and nano-calcium carbonate (NC) on the physical characteristics, hydration products and microstructure of CGFC. The results showed that the compressive strength of CGFC was the optimal when NS and NC were mixed with 1.5 wt% each, in which case the volume water absorption also decreased to the lowest value of 20.61 %. Additionally, compared with the control group, the incorporation of NS significantly accelerated the cement hydration rate. Moreover, the synergistic effect after the addition of NC promoted the cement hydration to generate more ettringite and C-S-H gel, and partly reduced the average pore size of CGFC, thereby improving the pore structure. Finally, the attenuation constant of the composite material can reach 187.92, and the reflection loss can reach −35.6 dB, demonstrating its excellent electromagnetic wave absorption ability.

Exploring sustainable alternatives: quarry dust and sugar cane bagasse ash in sodium and potassium-based alkali-activated binders for enhanced mechanical and durability properties

The increased use of sugarcane bagasse in electricity production has led to a significant rise in the dumping of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). To study the efficiency of SCBA as a supplementary material in the production of alkali-activated binders (AABs), which consist of quarry dust and crushed sand as fine aggregates, the present study investigates the influence of different activators, namely NaOH-Na2SiO3 and KOH-K2SiO3, and the effect of curing type (ambient and heat curing) on the mechanical and durability properties of quarry dust-SCBA incorporated AAB. Various tests, including compressive strength, water absorption, sorptivity, and sulphate resistance, along with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were conducted for AAB characterization. The results revealed that the addition of 20% quarry dust as an alternative to crushed sand in AAB is found to be optimum. The ambient-cured SCBA-blended AAB specimens demonstrated superior performance compared to their heat-cured counterparts. The Na-based SCBA blended AABs outperformed K-based AABs in resisting compressive strength reduction. The compressive strength of 28 days ambient cured Na-based and K-based AABs were found to be 47.8 and 32.4 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that the main hydration products in Na-based AAB are C-A-S-H, C-S-H, and N-A-S-H, while in K-based AAB, the main hydration products were found to be C-A-S-H, C-S-H, and K-A-S-H, respectively. The AAB mixtures consisting 10% SCBA found with superior performance compared to other SCBA blended AABs. However, excessive SCBA usage weakened the microstructure in both Na-based and K-based AABs. The findings demonstrate the potential for utilizing waste materials, such as SCBA and quarry dust, in the development of eco-friendly and high-performance alkali-activated binders, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact caused by the construction industry.