Alkali-activated tungsten mine waste mud binder versus OPC concrete: acid and abrasion resistance

Abstract

This paper reports results of a research project related to the development of geopolymeric binder using mineral waste mud from the Portuguese tungsten mine Panasqueira. Abrasion and acid resistance of two ordinary Portland cement (OPC) strength class concrete mixtures (C20/25 and C30/37) and several tungsten mine waste mud (TMWM) geopolymeric binder mixtures was evaluated. Acid resistance was performed by submitting samples to solutions of sulphuric acid, nitric acid and chloridric acid, results of weight loss are reported. Abrasion resistance was assessed by the mass loss of cubic specimens when submitted to 1000 rotations with the Los Angeles apparatus test machine. This study indicates that TMWM geopolymeric binders possess higher acid and abrasion resistance than OPC based concrete mixtures.