Alkali-Activated Slag Cements as a Sustainable Building Material

The portland cement industry is responsible for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas production. Therefore, the further development of an alkali-activated cement based on an industrial waste product (slag) is proposed. This cement product will be carbon neutral, but competitive with portland cement in cost and performance, have a longer life, and be more accessible to developing communities. The use of slag as a cementitious material will translate to a reduction of greenhouse gases that will benefit the long-term health and wellness of world citizens and the environment by mitigating damage to global climate and ecosystems. The production of alkali-activated slag cements would require little fossil fuel, reducing pollutants and increasing domestic energy independence, while increasing demand for an industrial waste product, helping build prosperity, and reducing the need for landfills. Freeze-thaw behavior, strength, and permeability are factors which need to be better characterized before such materials can find widespread acceptance, and this project aims to directly address them.