Reducing the emission of climate-altering substances in cementitious materials: A comparison between alkali-activated materials and Portland cement-based composites incorporating recycled tire rubber

Low carbon or near-zero concrete technology is in line with the pillars of sustainable development, where industrial waste low-carbon binders can reduce eliminate consumption Portland cement and natural resources, leading to less environmental pollution. This work presents an experimental study on comparison between alkali-activated materials (also recognized as geopolymers) a traditional cementitious matrix (Portland cement) incorporated rubber particles, deriving from end-of-life tires, replacement raw mineral aggregates. To explore potential rubber-geopolymer compounds, comparative analysis rubber-Portland mortars was performed. Initial investigations (microstructural/compositional analysis, porosity water absorption measurements, mechanical tests) were conducted rubberized samples obtained by varying binder, sand-rubber ratio (0 vol%, 50 100 vol%) particle size (0–1 mm fine aggregate 1–3 granules). The results revealed greater compatibility tire aggregates, resulting better performance terms interfacial adhesion, reduced rate, flexural strength, toughness. However, compressive strength showed weaker mixes compared counterparts. As also verified Si/Al elemental structural quality development geopolymer strongly influenced removal sand Si-source. embodied emission cost estimated evaluate economic impact related use recycled complete mixes. Sustainability friendliness formulations those ordinary cement, but higher production costs. total addition aggregates induced increase emissions costs (variable according type matrix) which, however, does not directly correlate processing/price polymer fraction. Deepening research cleaner matrices promoting applications could lead gap levelling rubber-based composites. Building these findings, future will focus optimization mix design function