Freeze-thaw cycle and abrasion resistance of alkali-activated FA and POFA-based mortars: Role of high volume GBFS incorporation

Alkali-activated binders made from various waste products can appreciably reduce the emission of CO2 and enhance recycling efficiency, thus making them viable substitutes to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based binders. Waste materials including fly ash (FA), palm oil fuel (POFA), granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) reveal favorable effects when applied alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) that are mainly related high contents silica, alumina, calcium. Therefore, fifteen AAM mixes enclosing FA, POFA with volume GBFS were designed. The obtained GBFS/FA/POFA-based AAMs subjected wet/dry freeze/thaw cycles. impact on microstructures, freeze-thaw cycle, abrasion resistance, mechanical durability features proposed evaluated. results showed presence Ca significantly affect long-term performance. resistance was decreased decrease CaO contents. Furthermore, depth 70% (0.8 mm) lower in comparison mix by replacing 50 wt% FA (1.4 mm). Generally, increase could largely properties under aggressive environmental exposure. expansion physical impacts during freezing-thawing cycles argued destroy bonds C–S–H paste-aggregates, causing formation large cracks. It is asserted may offer definitive mechanical, durable, benefits their enhanced performance environments.