This study focuses on the acid resistance of fine bone china ceramic aggregate (FBCA) concrete. Natural sand was partially and fully replaced by FBCA. The concrete specimens were exposed to 3% sulphuric acid solution up to 180 days. The main parameters identified were change in mass, compressive strength and microstructural changes. The changes in microstructure were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The stable form of raw FBCA and denser calcium silicate hydrate gel in FBCA concrete provide a superior resistance to acid attack than traditional concrete.

This study presents an investigation of the effects of the precursor, alkalinity and temperature on the rheology and structural buildup of alkali activated materials. Here, 100% fly ash, 100% slag and blended mixes of fly ash and slag were activated by 4 M, 6 M, 8 M or 10 M (only for sodium hydroxide) solutions at 25 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C and 55 °C. The rheological properties were investigated to obtain the flow curves, viscosity, storage modulus, and loss factor of these materials. The results showed that for the presence of slag, a higher molarity of the alkali activating solution and a high temperature all caused greater interparticle force, leading to an increase in the shear stress and viscosity of the alkali activated materials. It was also observed that slag had the greatest effect on the increase in the storage modulus of the blended mixes. Furthermore, the higher alkalinity and temperature levels were instrumental in initiating the dissolution of fly ash and improving its rate of structural buildup. Moreover, the interdependence of various factors showed that the type of precursor, as well as the concentration of alkali activating solution, were the primary influencing factors on the polymerization process, as well as the rheological measurements of alkali-activated materials.