Industrial waste utilization of carbon dust in sustainable cementitious composites production

Abstract

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of utilization of carbon dust generated as an industrial waste from aluminum factories in cementitious composites production. Carbon dust is collected, characterized, and then used to partially replace cement particles in cement mortar production. The effect of adding different dosages of carbon dust in the range of 5% to 40% by weight of cement on compressive strength, microstructure, and chemical composition of cement mortar is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis are used to justify the results. Experimental results show that incorporation of carbon dust in cement mortar production not only reduces its environmental side effects but also enhances the strength of cementitious composites. Up to 10% carbon dust by weight of cement can be added to the mixture without adversely affecting the strength of the mortar. Any further addition of carbon dust would decrease the strength. Best enhancement in compressive strength (27%) is achieved in the case of using 5% replacement ratio. SEM images show that incorporation of small amount of carbon dust (less than 10%) lead to produce denser and more compact-structure cement mortar.