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The Mechanical Strength of Ecological Cement Mortars Based on Fly Ash from the Combustion of Municipal Waste and Cement Kiln Dust

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The article presents the physico-mechanical properties of cement mortars modified with the addition of fly ash generated from municipal waste incineration (MSWI-FA) and dust from rotary kiln dedusting installations (CKD—cement kiln dust) produced during cement manufacturing. The waste materials were dosed separately and in combination—MSWI-FA in amounts of 10, 15, and 20% of the cement mass, with a volumetric adjustment of the standard sand mass, while CKD was used as a cement replacement in amounts of 10, 15, and 20% of the cement mass. Basic tests were conducted on the prepared mortars, including consistency and flexural and compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of curing, water absorption, bulk density, and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles. The results indicate that the addition of MSWI-FA and CKD reduces the strength of mortars compared to the control series, with CKD proving to be more effective and stable than MSWI-FA, especially over longer curing periods. The combination of MSWI-FA and CKD often resulted in the greatest decline in mechanical parameters, suggesting limited synergy between these materials. The best results were achieved using low additive concentrations, especially in the MSWI-FA-CKD/3–3 (i.e., after 3% of the MSWI-FA and CKD waste) combination. The research confirms the potential of utilizing MSWI-FA and CKD in sustainable cement compositions but highlights the need for further work on optimizing proportions and modification techniques. The importance of these efforts for reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy is emphasized.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15063215

Authors: Alina Pietrzak, Malgorzata Ulewicz

Institution: Częstochowa University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896