Optimizing Precursors and Reagents for the Development of Alkali-Activated Binders in Ambient Curing Conditions

Alkali-activated binders (AABs) are developed through the activation of aluminosilicate-rich materials using alkaline reagents. The characteristics AABs a novel dry-mixing technique incorporating powder-based reagents/activators extensively explored. A total forty-four binder mixes assessed in terms their fresh and hardened state properties. influence mono/binary/ternary combinations supplementary cementitious (SCMs)/precursors different types/combinations/dosages reagents on strength workability properties to determine optimum composition precursors binary (55% fly ash class C 45% ground granulated blast furnace slag) ternary (25% C, 35% F 40% with reagent-2 (calcium hydroxide sodium sulfate = 2.5:1) exhibited desired 28-day compressive strengths 56 52 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analyses (in SEM/EDS XRD) revealed formation additional calcium aluminosilicate hydrate or mixed Ca/Na compounds reagent-2, resulting higher strength. This research confirms potential producing cement-free green binary/ternary SCMs having under ambient curing conditions.