Hydrochloric acid resistance of mortars incorporating waste glass powder as cementitious materials

Abstract

AbstractDespite numerous studies conducted on the potential of waste materials as cement substitutes, the resistance of mortars comprising such blended cementitious materials against acidic environments has seldom been investigated. This paper presents an investigation into the potential of waste glass powder (WGP) as a replacement for cement in enhancing the mechanical, and durability of cementitious materials subjected to acidic environments. The study examines the impact of WGP on the resistance of mortar to hydrochloric acid solution attack, with specimens containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% WGP produced as cement substitutes. The tests were conducted on the cement mortar and paste after water curing for 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days. Initially, the pozzolanic activity index assessment, fresh density, water absorption, and compressive strengths during water curing times were evaluated. Subsequently, the performance of mortars, when subjected to hydrochloric acid solutions, was assessed, including mass loss, residual compressive strength, visual inspection, and microstructure features during 8 weeks of immersion in hydrochloric acid. The results of the study indicated that the incorporation of WGP led to improved hydrochloric acid resistance in the mortar. Furthermore, an increase in WGP content resulted in a reduced reduction in compressive strength against hydrochloric acid attacks as the ages progressed. The study revealed that the mortar containing 5% WGP as a cement substitute had the highest compressive strength compared to other specimens, and using 10% WGP as a supplementary cementitious material was comparable to the control mixture. Finally, the x‐ray diffraction pattern indicated that the specimen containing 5% WGP had a lower intensity of portlandite peaks than the reference specimen.