Open Access

ARTICLE

Influence of Ultra Fine Glass Powder on the Properties and Microstructure of Mortars

Wei Chen^*, Dingdan Liu, Yue Liang

School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China

* Corresponding Author: Wei Chen. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Solid Waste Processing and Recycling Technologies for Civil Engineering Materials)

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2024, 20(5), 915-938. https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2024.046335

Received 27 September 2023; Accepted 12 January 2024; Issue published 07 June 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on the effect of ultrafine waste glass powder on cement strength, gas permeability and pore structure. Varying contents were considered, with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 20 μm. Moreover, alkali activation was considered to ameliorate the reactivity and cementitious properties, which were assessed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and specific surface area pore size distribution analysis. According to the results, without the addition of alkali activators, the performance of glass powder mortar decreases as the amount of glass powder increases, affecting various aspects such as strength and resistance to gas permeability. Only 5% glass powder mortar demonstrated a compressive strength at 60 days higher than that of the control group. However, adding alkali activator (CaO) during hydration ameliorated the hydration environment, increased the alkalinity of the composite system, activated the reactivity of glass powder, and enhanced the interaction of glass powder and pozzolanic reaction. In general, compared to ordinary cement mortar, alkali-activated glass powder mortar produces more hydration products, showcases elevated density, and exhibits improved gas resistance. Furthermore, alkali-activated glass powder mortar demonstrates an improvement in performance across various aspects as the content increases. At a substitution rate of 15%, the glass powder mortar reaches its optimal levels of strength and resistance to gas permeability, with a compressive strength increase ranging from 28.4% to 34%, and a gas permeation rate reduction between 51.8% and 66.7%.

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