Ligante autoativado a partir do vidro de módulos fotovoltaicos e cal de casca de ostra hidratada

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable engineering solutions has driven the development of alternative binders to Portland cement. This study evaluated the technical feasibility of a self-activated binder produced from photovoltaic glass (PVF) and hydrated oyster shell lime (CCOH), eliminating the need for alkaline activators. Formulations with varying the PVF/CCOH ratios (1.5–9), solid-to-liquid ratios (S/L) (0.475–0.550), and curing times (7–63 days) were evaluated based on unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey’s test) identified curing time and the PVF/CCOH ratio as the influential factors. The optimal condition (ratio 9, S/L 0.475 and 63 days) achieved a UCS of 2.99 MPa, exceeding the limits of technical standards and being statistically equivalent to mixtures with lower glass content, while offering greater advantages in terms of waste valorization. SEM-EDS analyses showed the development of a dense matrix, with a morphology and chemical composition consistent with the formation of cementitious gels, supporting a dual activation mechanism in which PVF acts as both precursor and partial activator, whereas CCOH is essential to provide calcium and complete the alkalization. It is concluded that the PVF-CCOH system represents a technically and environmentally promising route for producing of sustainable binders with satisfactory performance and reduced environmental and economic impact.