Self-activation of slag-cements with glass waste powder

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of glass powder waste as alkaline activator of slag when both are used in blended cement. The slag blended cement was prepared with 70% slag, and then the slag was replaced with 10-20% glass powder by mass. The self-activation concept is here introduced. Ground glass releases alkalis through dissolution in a slow and sustained way over time. This would activate slag. Ground glass improves fluidity of mortars and the compressive strength overcomes dilution and increases with age due to the combined pozzolanic action of slag and glass. The proposed blended cement has better mechanical properties than slag-cement. The proposed blended cement has better mechanical properties than slag-cement and due to less use of slag, it becomes more sustainable and it contributes to waste management.

Characterization of Glass Powder from Glass Recycling Process Waste and Preliminary Testing

“…In the line of work of the study of incorporating waste into the concrete matrix, the feasibility of such incorporation of waste from the glass recycling industry has been investigated for several years as part of either mortar, concrete and cement [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], or geopolymers [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], although the latter use is beyond the scope of our study. This is due to its chemical composition with high silica content in an amorphous state.…”