Low-Emission, Cementless Binders and Concrete: Future Proof Materials

Abstract

In the chapter, the results of testing the possibility of obtainment of the high-performance binder and concrete based on alkali activated fly ash and other aluminosilicate wastes or industrial wastes are presented. The discussed topic is framed in terms of requirements and actions taken by the cement industry, which lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. In terms of carbon footprint, cementless, geopolymer concrete is determined as a more advanced material for civil engineering because of its ability to not contain the clinker component and still be able to reach, by its properties, the level of high-performance cementitious materials. In the presented paper, some of the properties of hardened geopolymer composite material are improved. It was established that the addition of thermally processed waste material, containing metakaolin, radically increases the strength and durability of geopolymer concrete. By means of completed research methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy X-ray dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and thermal analysis DTA-DTG, the influence on changes in the structure of hardened geopolymer material due to the increase in its strength and durability during low-temperature exposure is explained.