Impact of Recycled Concrete and Ceramic Fillers on the Performance of Cementitious Systems: Microstructural, Mechanical, and Durability Aspects

Impact of Recycled Concrete and Ceramic Fillers on the Performance of Cementitious Systems: Microstructural, Mechanical, and Durability Aspects

Cement production is a major contributor to CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, while construction and demolition waste (CDW) presents growing environmental challenges. The new European standard UNE-EN 197-6 permits the use of recycled concrete fines as partial clinker replacements, providing a re...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tianjun Han, Diego Aponte, Susana Valls, Marilda Barra Bizinotto
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Recycling
Subjects:
concrete recycled filler
ceramic–concrete mixed filler
hydration behavior
mechanical performance
durability
XRD
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/3/108
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Summary:Cement production is a major contributor to CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, while construction and demolition waste (CDW) presents growing environmental challenges. The new European standard UNE-EN 197-6 permits the use of recycled concrete fines as partial clinker replacements, providing a regulatory framework for integrating CDW into cementitious systems. This study investigates two CDW-derived fillers, FHH (recycled concrete filler) and FHC (recycled ceramic–concrete mixed filler), as partial substitutes for ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The materials were characterized using XRD, XRF, FTIR, and particle size analysis. Cement pastes and mortars with 10%, 20%, and 30% volume replacements were evaluated for hydration behavior, mechanical performance, and durability. At lower replacement levels, FHC promoted ettringite formation and microstructural refinement, while FHH favored carbonate hydrate development; both fillers also exhibited durability comparable to the control. At higher levels, they maintained satisfactory compressive strength. This study offers critical insights into the integration of CDW-derived fillers into cementitious systems, revealing their potential to significantly reduce clinker consumption while maintaining high mechanical and durability standards.
ISSN:2313-4321

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