A Pioneer Investigation on Recycling Ceramic Sludge Waste into Alkali-Activated Slag Cement
摘要
This pioneering study explored the influence of including ceramic sludge waste (CSW) at various ratios (5–50 wt%) into alkali-activated slag (AAS) cement. This research investigated how various proportions of CSW affect the main properties of AAS cement, including flowability, setting time, compressive strength, crystalline phases, hydration products, and microstructure change. The results indicated that including CSW enhanced the flowability and prolonged setting time of AAS cement. The inclusion of 5–20% CSW improved the compressive strength, with 10% CSW being the optimal content; however, higher CSW ratios (30–50%) resulted in strength reduction. A range of contemporary technologies was used to examine the results. This study is the first to demonstrate that incorporating 5–20% CSW into AAS cement can enhance its compressive strength, suggesting a pathway for creating more durable and resource-efficient construction materials while simultaneously valorizing a significant industrial waste stream and reducing landfill burden.