Alkali activation of fly ash in self-consolidating concrete at low molar concentration

Abstract

As a means of minimizing the negative effects on the environment, the use of industrial byproducts in the building industry is becoming more popular. In recent trends alkali activation of precursor's booms in the market since activation of precursors improves the binding strength and durability as well as reduce the carbon footprint from cementing industry. Although, one such risk factor in alkali activation is the molar concentration. Increase in molar concentration of sodium hydroxide/ sodium silicate, the release of volatile substance from those acids would be more harmful to the environment. In this concern, the present study works on activating the precursor at low molar concentration thereby equalizing the performance through dosage of super plasticizers. In this direction, fly-ash was activated at 5M (NaOH) and replaced to cement at varying percentage in the range of 0 to 30% by weight. The performance of SCC was evaluated through fresh & hardened characteristics, and microstructural analysis. Evaluating the blended mixtures of SCC, AFA at 5M (NaOH), 0.89% of super plasticizers and 15% of replacement sounds to be better performance than compared to control SCC. The outcome of the present study will provide platform in activating a precursor at low molar concentration through the influence of super plasticizers.