Study of the influence of chemical composition on the pozzolanicity of soda-lime glass microparticles

Abstract

The use of residues, in partial or total substitution of aggregates or binders in concrete, presents interesting possibilities for obtaining eco-efficient concretes. Research has investigated the use of glass residue in Portland cement composite, whether as an aggregate or a supplementary cementitious material. However, there is still no consensus on the influence of the chemical composition of glass on the behaviour of the composites in which it is used. This paper analyse the influence of this composition on the performance of cement composites produced with microparticles of colourless and amber glass. Pozzolanicity was assessed by direct (Modified Chapelle, electrical conductivity) and indirect test (chemical characterization, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and Strength Activity Index testing. The results show that microparticles of both glass display pozzolanic activity, with no significant differences between them. This confirms the potential for the use of glass microparticles as a supplementary material in cement composites.