Title:
Sustainable Improvement of Recycled Fine Aggregate Using Chemical Presoaking and Plant-Based Organic Additives
Author(s):
Anila C. Shaju, Praveen Nagarajan, Sudhakumar J., and Blessen S. Thomas
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
79-94
Keywords:
bio-additives; calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H); construction and demolition (C&D) waste; recycled fine aggregate (RFA); silica fume (SF); sodium silicate (SS)
DOI:
10.14359/51749324
Date:
5/1/2026
Abstract:
The growing generation of construction and demolition waste necessitates the development of effective recycling strategies to address environmental concerns. This study investigated the replacement of natural fine aggregate (NFA) with recycled fine aggregate (RFA) at 0, 50, and 100% using two treatment methods: 1) sodium silicate (SS)-silica fume (SF) presoaking treatment (SS-T); and 2) organic treatment (OA-T) with bio-additives derived from Persea macrantha, Haritaki, and Cissus glauca Roxb. A quantitative comparison of the aggregate and mortar quality was conducted for each method. The combined application of SS-T and OA-T demonstrated an 85% improvement in workability and a 68% reduction in water absorption for RFA. Mortar experiments revealed up to 76% improvement in compressive and flexural strengths compared with untreated RFA mortar. Microstructural analyses (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], energy-dispersive spectroscopy [EDS], X-ray diffraction [XRD], and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer [FTIR]) confirmed the enhanced bond strength and mineral composition. This study highlights the potential of SS-T and OA-T to produce durable, high-performance RFA mortars using locally available, economical bio-additives.
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