Alkali-activated cements can be considered an innovative material in civil construction, generally obtained from industrial waste or byproducts. However, the availability of these byproducts is limited due to their consumption in the production of composite cements. Therefore, GEMASC evaluates the potential of using different types of minerals derived from waste generated by other industries as raw materials in the production of alkali-activated cements.

 

The reuse of waste and by-products for the production of alkali-activated cements is being considered an innovative material in civil construction. Geopolymers, when compared to traditional Portland cement-based binders, offer technical and environmental advantages, such as high mechanical performance and better durability properties. However, the availability of these by-products as raw materials for large-scale production is limited since these materials are preferentially used by the cement industry.

 

In this context, given the need to move towards a more sustainable construction industry, it is essential to have a greater understanding of how the microstructural characteristics of Portland cement contribute to the material's performance, as well as the need to find alternatives through the implementation of new technologies. Therefore, GEMASC aims to evaluate the potential of using different types of minerals derived from waste generated by other industries or natural minerals as raw materials in the production of alkali-activated cements. The study will analyze how the different physicochemical properties of the raw materials and production and synthesis variables affect the microstructural characteristics and their correlation with mechanical performance and some durability properties.