In this study, desert sand was used as supplementary materials in alkali-activated cements (AAC) with granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA). For the first time, a systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of various treatment methods and contents of desert sand on the strength and microstructure of AAC. This study also analyzed the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis (SEM-EDX), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), pH values, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) properties of AAC pastes containing differently treated desert sand to uncover the mechanisms by which these treatments and dosages influence mechanical properties of AAC. Untreated desert sand (DS), temperature-treated desert sand (DS-T), and ground desert sand for two different durations (20 mins and 30 mins) all exhibited some pozzolanic activity but primarily acted as fillers in the AAC pastes. Among the samples, DS-T demonstrated the highest pozzolanic activity, though it was still less than that of fly ash (FA). The optimal dosage for the modified desert sands was determined to be 10%. However, The optimal dosage of different modified desert sands is 10%. The flexural strength of DS-G30-10 reaches 6.62 MPa and the compressive strength reaches 72.3 MPa, showing the best comprehensive mechanical properties.

This study is dedicated to the development of a new type of cesium tungsten bronze energy-saving laminated glass and explores its application in insulating glass combinations, offering innovative ideas and practical solutions for advancing energy-saving glass technology. Experimental results show that both Cs_xWO₃ (CWO) dispersions exhibit good visible light transmittance and near-infrared shielding properties, with CWO1 demonstrating superior shielding in the 650–950 nm range, attributed to differences in shape and size distribution and verified by simulations using the Drude–Lorentz model and the finite element method.

This study primarily investigates the effect of fly ash (FA) content on the mechanical properties and hydration performance of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag cement (AAGC) and compares the related properties with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Additionally, we examined the hydration products; performed thermal analysis, MIP, and SEM; and determined chemically bound water and pH values of AAGC. The compressive strength of AAGC showed a retrogression phenomenon from 3 to 28 days, with the 14-day and 28-day compressive strengths of AAGC being higher than those of OPC. The AAGC with 20% FA content exhibited the highest 28-day compressive strength (75 MPa). The hydration heat release rate curve of OPC and AAGC was divided into the initial induction period, induction period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and steady period. As FA content increased, the 28-day pore volume of AAGC increased, while pH values and chemically bound water decreased. SEM images of AAGC with low FA content showed more microcracks.