GREENING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION: UNLEASHING NATURAL ZEOLITE FOR ECO-FRIENDLY HIGH-PERFORMANCE CEMENT

Abstract

The design of blended cement with less clinker follows current construction material trends. This technique promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and CO₂ reduction. This study proposes e_co-friendly cement production methods that preserve concrete quality. To determine its potential for cement manufacture, Jordanian natural zeolite from almafrak (Amman, Jourdan) is tested for physical, chemical, and microstructural properties. Accordingly, the British standard mandates 6%, 10%, and 15% natural zeolite instead of clinker. The zeolite cement's chemical composition, physical properties, and microstructure were analyzed. With 6-15% natural zeolite replaced, zeolite cement has 23.29-25.99% silicon oxide, 4.92-6.22% aluminium oxide, 5.33-6.09% iron oxide, and 55.92-49.78% calcium oxide. The specific gravity of zeolite cement decreases by 5% when applied 15% natural zeolite. Zeolite cement had autoclave soundness of 0.1-0.17, fineness of 4930-5380 cm²/kg, initial setting time of 125-130 minutes, final setting time of 225-285 minutes, specific gravity of 3.04-2.97, and loss on ignition of 3.71-5. The compressive strength of blended cement with 6%, 10%, and 15% natural zeolite replacement is 20.48, 14.24, and 11.25 MPa after 2 days, respectively. Compressive strength is 35.8 MPa, 36 MPa, and 37.6 MPa after 28 days. Zeocement's fibrous substance, created by zeolite minerals and calcium hydroxide during hydration, makes it compact and consistent. This fibro structure improves interfacial connections, reducing microcracks, strengthening structural integrity, and making Portland cement mixtures more durable.