Salt-Flavored Green Binder (SAFGB): Focus on Flowability, Microstructure and Strength
Abstract
The construction industry is expanding rapidly as a result of global economic expansion, resulting in increasing demand for and production of building materials. Regrettably, this expansion contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, mainly from the cement industry. Furthermore, it increases the lack of natural resources and the scarcity of fresh water. Given these obstacles, it is critical to investigate more efficient methods of producing environmentally friendly construction materials.
In response to the previous problems in the concrete industry, this study suggests the manufacture of a sustainable and innovative cement paste. The proposed method comprises replacing a significant percentage of cement with a low-carbon binder, such as fly ash or microsilica (about 20% and 30%, respectively). In addition, seawater will be utilized in place of freshwater. By combining these components, a green and salt-flavored cement paste with ecological and economic benefits may be created.
To cost-effectively predict and optimize the properties (mainly compressive strength) of paste made from any combination of the binders, several models and corresponding iso-term contours will be defined from experimental data of several mixture proportions selected by statical design method in a system consisting of 70-100% cement, 10-20% fly ash and 0-10% microsilica. The accuracy of the models will be checked by comparing the predicted and experimental properties of some mixtures selected within the system boundaries. To quantify the feasibility of producing a green and unreinforced salt-flavored paste, the changes in the properties of the paste, subjected to several freeze-thaw cycles to mimic the long-term natural aging process of the mortar, in the forms weight loss, compressive strength and microstructure will be examined.