Minimizing energy consumption to produce safe one-part alkali-activated materials

Abstract Recently, alkali-activated binders have emerged as a promising sustainable solution in the construction industry. There is great demand to promote the development of one-part alkali-activated materials (OP-AAMs) to overcome the hazardous, irritating, and corrosive nature of alkaline activator solutions while sustaining their superior engineering properties. This study's main objective is to reduce the temperature of the thermochemical treatment process used to produce one-part alkali-activated slag (OP-AAS) by using an amorphous active aluminosilicate precursor. The effect of different treatment temperatures (1000 °C, 800 °C, 500 °C, 350 °C, and 300 °C) on the fresh and hardened properties of OP-AAS pastes was studied. The phase composition and microstructure were investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. A viability/cytotoxicity test was performed on selected mixes to investigate the effect of the prepared OP-AAS on the human skin. It is concluded that the optimum treatment temperature to prepare OP-AAS is ranged between 300 °C and 500 °C. Therefore, with low-energy consumption, the production of OP-AAS is accessible, economical, and safe for the commercial application of alkali-activated materials in the construction industry.