Optimization of sustainable high-performance alkali-activated composites using industrial and agricultural wastes: A comprehensive performance evaluation

Abstract

The increasing environmental burden of Portland cement production has accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives in construction materials. This study investigates the development and optimization of high-performance alkali-activated composites (AACs) using industrial and agricultural waste products as binders and aggregates. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) was used as the primary precursor, partially replaced by 15% waste brick powder (BP), natural zeolite (NZ), or rice husk ash (RHA) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), while 100% waste marble powder (WMP) was employed as fine aggregate. The aim was to assess the mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of these eco-efficient AACs under varying sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide (NS/NH) ratios (1.5–3.0) and thermal curing conditions (40 °C and 80 °C), and to identify the optimal formulation for high-performance applications.