In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials, a groundbreaking study led by Anur Oumer from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Hankyong National University in South Korea has introduced an innovative method for curing alkali-activated fly ash (AAFA) binders. The research, published in ‘Case Studies in Construction Materials’, explores the use of electrically conductive cement composite (ECCC) heating blocks as a novel approach to indirect heat curing, offering a promising alternative to conventional steam curing methods.
Traditional steam curing, while effective, is energy-intensive and can be environmentally taxing. Oumer’s research, however, presents a more sustainable solution. By applying a 15V DC voltage to ECCC heating blocks for 24 hours, the study demonstrated that these blocks could provide uniform heat distribution, essential for the curing process of AAFA composites. “The ECCC blocks not only provided consistent heating but also showed stable electrical resistivity during the initial curing phase,” Oumer explained. This stability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the conductive pathways within the cement composite, ensuring efficient heat transfer.
The study compared the performance of AAFA composites cured using ECCC heating blocks with those cured using conventional steam methods. Thermal imaging and surface temperature measurements revealed that smaller AAFA samples achieved superior average surface temperatures due to their reduced size, highlighting the adaptability of the ECCC heating method for various applications.
Microstructural characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), were employed to analyze the cured composites. The results showed that ECCC heat-cured composites exhibited higher total porosity, with a significant portion attributed to transition pores. In contrast, steam-cured composites had a comparable total porosity but with a higher proportion of micropores. Despite these differences, compressive strength testing revealed that cellulose microfibers (CMFs) enhanced the strength of both steam-cured and ECCC heat-cured samples by 13% and 12%, respectively.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As the construction industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, the adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient curing methods becomes increasingly important. Oumer’s findings suggest that ECCC heating blocks could revolutionize the curing process for AAFA binders, offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. “This technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional curing methods,” Oumer noted.
The study’s success in achieving comparable compressive strength with ECCC heat-cured composites, despite differences in porosity, underscores the viability of this approach. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of innovative materials and technologies like ECCC heating blocks could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient building practices. The research, published in ‘Case Studies in Construction Materials’, sets a new benchmark for future developments in the field, encouraging further exploration into the potential of electrically conductive cement composites and their applications in construction.
