Bio‐derived sodium silicate for the manufacture of alkali‐activated binders: Use of bamboo leaf ash as silicate source

Alkali activated binders are a promising alternative to the use of Portland cement in manufacture concrete for curbing CO2 emissions. Novel sources silicates have been investigated recent years reducing cost and environmental impacts associated with chemical activators. This study describes production solid sodium silicate (SS) activating powder from bamboo leaf ash (BLA). Bamboo leaves were calcined at 550–800°C, mixed NaOH pellets, heated an oven 300°C. The obtained was used blended fly ash/slag samples. Mechanical microstructural properties BLA-based samples compared those made commercially available chemicals. strength BLA-activated mortars matched commercially-sourced activators, being 25–30 MPa 7 days exceeding 40 28 days. analysis suggested that SS showed lesser degree dissolution precursors days, but quality matrix higher than NaOH-activated These results confirmed reactivity BLA-silicate similar commercial solutions, show potential valorization future biomass renewable waste low carbon, alkali-activated concretes.