Study on the use of glass by-products for sustainable polymer-modified mortars

Abstract

This investigation is focused on the observation of changes in the properties of polymer-modified cement mortars caused by the addition of recycled glass. The current requirements for reducing CO2 emissions in the production of cement composites, are also forcing the producers of polymer-modified mortars (PMMs) to use alternative materials, such as silica-rich supplementary materials. Selected types of recycled glass with pozzolanic behavior were specifically ground (particle size below 63 m) and used as a partial cement substitute (10wt.%, 20wt.% and 30 wt.% substitution of Portland cement). In order to explain the obtained results and garner new knowledge of the microstructure of the mixtures being studied, the following tests were performed: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry. The findings show that the finely ground recycled glass has high potential to be used as an effective cement replacement for PMM materials, that are currently used in large amounts, mainly in the rehabilitation of concrete structures.This investigation is focused on the observation of changes in the properties of polymer-modified cement mortars caused by the addition of recycled glass. The current requirements for reducing CO2 emissions in the production of cement composites, are also forcing the producers of polymer-modified mortars (PMMs) to use alternative materials, such as silica-rich supplementary materials. Selected types of recycled glass with pozzolanic behavior were specifically ground (particle size below 63 m) and used as a partial cement substitute (10wt.%, 20wt.% and 30 wt.% substitution of Portland cement). In order to explain the obtained results and garner new knowledge of the microstructure of the mixtures being studied, the following tests were performed: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry. The findings show that the finely ground recycled glass has high potential to be used as an effective cement replacement for PMM materials, that are currently used in large amounts, mainly in the rehabilitation of concrete structures.