In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study has emerged that could significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the production of alkali-activated mortars (AAM). Led by Kübra Ekiz Barıs from the Department of Architecture at Kocaeli University in Türkiye, the research explores alternative curing regimes that maintain material properties while slashing energy use.
Traditionally, AAMs have relied on energy-intensive heat curing (HC) and microwave curing (MWC) to achieve early-age strength. However, Barıs and her team have investigated more sustainable methods: air curing (AC), water curing (WC), and self-curing (SC). The findings, published in the Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies (Sürdürülebilir İnşaat Malzemeleri ve Teknolojileri Dergisi), reveal that SC, which uses internal moisture to accelerate alkaline-activation reactions, could be a game-changer.
“Self-curing offers a practical and energy-efficient alternative to traditional curing methods,” Barıs explains. “It not only reduces energy consumption but also provides in-situ advantages that could facilitate the large-scale application of AAMs.”
The study found that AC and SC were effective alternatives to HC and MWC, with SC yielding the highest compressive strength (19.20 MPa), flexural strength (3.35 MPa), ultrasound velocity (2.67 km/s), and unit weight (2.26 g/cm3) after 365 days. Notably, increasing the curing period from 7 to 90 days significantly improved material properties, with the rate of improvement tapering off after 90 days.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. By adopting SC, construction companies can reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs without compromising material performance. This could lead to a more sustainable and economically viable future for the construction industry.
As Barıs notes, “The potential of self-curing is immense. It could revolutionize the way we produce and use AAMs, making them more accessible and sustainable for large-scale applications.”
This research not only advances our understanding of AAMs but also paves the way for innovative, energy-efficient solutions in the construction industry. As the world grapples with climate change, such advancements are crucial in driving the transition towards a more sustainable future.