Wear behavior in pastes of alkali-activated materials: influence of precursor and alkali solution

Abstract

Alkali-activated materials (AAM) are a possible alternative to Portland cement. Their wear performance opens a new door in the study of their durability for their use, in airport runways, highways and fabrication of construction materials. The wear behavior of AAM, under different activation conditions, is compared to Portland cement. Besides mechanical and physical characterization, reciprocating sliding wear tests were carried out. Information about the changes of structure and composition due to wear was obtained. Wear mechanism is abrasive for all pastes. Slag pastes activated with waterglass present the lowest volume wear loss, approximately 60% less than Portland cement. This good behavior could be related to the high hardness and stiffness of the material, associated with the main reaction products.