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The aim of this study was to use the electrical impedance spectroscopy technique (IS) to carry out a systematic study on the mechanism of metakaolin geopolymerization for up to 7 curing days. The study was developed on two batches of metakaolin (MK), and their reaction processes were compared. Interpretative fundamental elements were developed based on the effective electrical conductivity curves regarding the metakaolin geopolymerization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were previously carried out and used to interpret and validate the electrical behavior of the fresh and hardened MK-based geopolymer pastes. The results highlighted the sensibility of the impedance technique to the identification and description of the MK geopolymerization process, as well as the changes resulting from even slight variations in the metakaolin composition. Furthermore, this indicated that the geopolymerization process in highly alkaline solutions could be divided into seven stages, including the processes of dissolution, nucleation, precipitation and formation of the gel and, eventually, the retraction/microcracks constitution. Late dissolution processes could be observed during the more advanced stages and were attributed to particles not being fully hydrated.

Large amounts of waste are derived not only from construction processes, but also the demolition of existing buildings. Such waste occupies large volumes in landfills, which makes its final disposal difficult and expensive. Reusing this waste type is generally limited to being employed as filler material or recycled aggregate in concrete, which limits its valorisation. The present work proposes reusing construction and demolition waste to manufacture alkali-activated cement to improve its sustainability and recovery. Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) from a demolition waste collection plant in Valencia (Spain) was physically and chemically characterised. This residue contained large fractions of concrete, mortar, bricks, and other ceramic materials. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis showed that its chemical composition was mainly CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that it presented some crystalline products, and quartz (SiO2) and calcite (CaCO3) were the main components. Blends of C&DW and blast furnace slag (BFS) were alkali-activated with mixtures of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The corresponding pastes were characterised by techniques such as thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The alkali-activated mortars were prepared, and the resulting mortars’ compressive strength was determined, which was as high as 58 MPa with the 50% C&DW-50% BFS mixture. This work concluded that it is possible to make new sustainable binders by the alkali activation of C&DW-BFS without using Portland cement.