An alternative to traditional binder-based construction materials using "cold sintering", a hydrothermal mechanism that involves subjecting the sample to simultaneous pressure and comparatively low temperatures, was explored. Ground and precipitate calcium carbonates (GCC and PCC) were used as the primary starting materials. Ordinary portland cement (OPC) and zinc oxide were studied for comparison. Compressive strength tests showed promising results from the OPC mortars with the cement mostly replaced by GCC. Scanning electron microscopy showed sintering of calcium carbonate and zinc oxide with the selection of suitable solutions. Porosity of sintered samples measured by nitrogen adsorption−desorption improved considerably. These data support the feasibility of cold sintering as an alternative method for production of conventional precast construction materials.

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Lightweight aggregates are increasingly used in concrete construction. They reduce concrete selfweight furnishing a structural advantage. In contrast, the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight concrete can become the governing factor on lightweight aggregate replacement ratios. Alkali-Silica Reactison (ASR) and compressive strength of mortar samples with expanded slate, expanded glass or perlite, covering the spectrum of internal porosity and weight of lightweight aggregates, were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to evaluate the contribution of the aggregates' porosity and chemical composition in inhibiting ASR. Perlite, owing to its highly porous microstructure and lower matter excelled in ASR expansion while chemical composition and denser microstructure of the heavier expanded slate resulted in more signified late ASR expansion and higher compressive strength. An attempt in visual inspection of ASR attack of alkali metal ions on silica-rich expanded glass using an ultra-accelerated exposure to sodium hydroxide solution was made.

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