Utilization of hybrid cement for the formulation of tile adhesive

Abstract

The global effort to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction industry is increasingly focused on substituting energy-intensive materials with more sustainable alternatives. Akey strategy within this approach is the reduction of Portland clinker content, which constitutes the principal component of the most widely used binder in construction applications. Numerous studies have demonstrated that high levels of clinker substitution can be achieved in concrete production without compromising mechanical performance or durability. Nevertheless, many specific applications of such alternative binders remain insufficiently investigated. This study presents an experimental investigation of two cementitious adhesives incorporating a hybrid cement based on milled fly ash. The experimental program focused on pull-off testing of the adhesives, in which Portland cement was progressively replaced with the alternative hybrid binder. The results indicate promising performance characteristics of the developed material. However, the incorporation of hybrid cement was found to reduce the open time of the adhesive, thereby necessitating prompt application and tile placement. On the other hand, the application of hybrid binder requires modification of testing procedures with respect to the different process of hardening.