Recycling Volcanic Ash and Glass Powder in the Production of Alkali Activated Materials

The environmental sustainability of new materials and production processes is of crucial importance nowadays. The mechanical properties of a new binder obtained by light activation of waste pozzolanic materials are investigated. The compound consists of volcanic ash from street sweeping after pyroclastic eruptions of Mt. Etna and waste glass fine dust from the recycling process of glass containers. A single component NaOH solution at low molarity (3M) is used. The mechanical strength is determined through of three-point bending tests and compression tests. The results of the performed basic physical and mechanical tests show that the material is promising to be used in the construction field, with compressive strength between 15 and 20 MPa.