Minimizing energy consumption to produce safe one-part alkali-activated materials

Recently, alkali-activated binders have emerged as a promising sustainable solution in the construction industry. There is great demand to promote the development of one-part alkali-activated materials (OP-AAMs) to overcome the hazardous, irritating, and corrosive nature of alkaline activator solutions while sustaining their superior engineering properties. This study's main objective is to reduce the temperature of the thermochemical treatment process used to produce one-part alkali-activated slag (OP-AAS) by using an amorphous active aluminosilicate precursor. The effect of different treatment temperatures (1000 degrees C, 800 degrees C, 500 degrees C, 350 degrees C, and 300 degrees C) on the fresh and hardened properties of OP-AAS pastes was studied. The phase composition and microstructure were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. A viability/cytotoxicity test was performed on selected mixes to investigate the effect of the prepared OP-AAS on the human skin. It is concluded that the optimum treatment temperature to prepare OP-AAS is ranged between 300 degrees C and 500 degrees C. Therefore, with low-energy consumption, the production of OP-AAS is accessible, economical, and safe for the commercial application of alkali-activated materials in the construction industry.

Automated summary

This study aims to reduce the temperature of the thermochemical treatment process for producing one-part alkali-activated slag (OP-AAS) and investigates the effect of different treatment temperatures on the properties of the paste. It is concluded that the optimum treatment temperature for preparing OP-AAS ranges between 300 degrees C and 500 degrees C, making the production accessible, economical, and safe for commercial applications in the construction industry.