In this study, an alkaline activator was synthesized by dissolving waste glass powder (WGP) in NaOH-4M solution to explore its effects on the formation of alkali-activated material (AAM) generated by Class-C fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The compressive strength, flexure strength, porosity and water absorption were measured, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) were used to study the crystalline phases, hydration mechanism and microstructure of the resulting composites. Results indicated that the composition of alkali solutions and the ratios of FA/GGBS were significant in enhancing the properties of the obtained AAM. As the amount of dissolved WGP increased in alkaline solution, the silicon concentration increased, causing the accelerated reactivity of FA/GGBS to develop Ca-based hydrate gel as the main reaction product in the system, thereby increasing the strength and lowering the porosity. Further increase in WGP dissolution led to strength loss and increased porosity, which were believed to be due to the excessive water demand of FA/GGBS composites to achieve optimum mixing consistency. Increasing the GGBS proportion in a composite appeared to improve the strength and lower the porosity owing to the reactivity of GGBS being higher than that of FA, which contributed to develop C-S-H-type hydration.
Keywords: AAM; GGBS; fly ash; hydration products; strength; substituted alkali solution; waste glass powder.