A review of the effect of ceramic wastes on mechanical properties and mechanisms of cementitious composites

As one of the solid wastes, ceramic wastes have a hard texture, and their main chemical composition are SiO2 and Al2O3. These characteristics make properly treated ceramic wastes have the potential to replace natural sand, gravel aggregates and act as admixtures. Application of ceramic wastes into cementitious composites will contribute to alleviate the problems of environmental pollution caused by the overexploitation of natural sand and gravel, high energy consumption and pollution in cement production, and the accumulation of ceramic wastes. This paper first briefly describes the physical and chemical properties of various types of ceramic wastes. Then, from the different application forms of ceramic wastes in cementitious composites, this paper comprehensively reviews the research status of the effect of ceramic waste aggregates and ceramic waste powders on the basic mechanical properties of cementitious composites, reveals the influencing mechanisms of ceramic wastes on the basic mechanical properties of cementitious composites. Finally, suggestions for further application and research of cementitious composites with ceramic wastes, especially in green and ultra-high-performance concrete and mechanical property retention after high temperature refractory concrete, are put forward based on the problems existing in the current research. © 2024 Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA). All rights reserved.