Abstract
Abstract The development of sustainable cementitious materials has become a critical issue in the construction industry, particularly in enhancing the performance of Portland cement-based binders while reducing environmental burden. Based on the coupling mechanism and synergistic effect of raw materials, a composite binder was prepared in this study using ordinary portland cement (OPC) combined with ceramic powder (CP), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), circulating fluidised bed desulphurisation ash (CFBDA). Comprehensive experimental methods, including activity index analysis, water absorption tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (DTG/TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to assess the material performance. The results showed that the incorporation of CP, GGBFS, and CFBDA significantly enhances the pozzolanic reactivity and reduces water absorption, indicating improved mechanical properties and microstructural compactness. XRD and DTG/TG analyses confirmed that the addition of CFBDA and GGBFS accelerated the formation of C-S-H gel and promoted the consumption of CH, thereby enhancing hydration efficiency. SEM imaging further revealed a highly compact microstructure with C-S-H gels encapsulating CH crystals in the ternary system. The study concludes that the synergistic effect between CP, GGBFS, and CFBDA promoted hydration reactions, refined the microstructure, and improveds the overall performance of the composite binder. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of sustainable cementitious materials, which not only contribute to enhancing the durability of concrete but also help in the effective utilization of industrial by-products, promoting sustainability in the construction industry.