Effect of Waste Glass on the Properties and Microstructure of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement

Waste glass is a bulk solid waste, and its utilization is of great consequence for environmental protection; the application of waste glass to magnesium phosphate cement can also play a prominent role in its recycling. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of glass powder (GP) on the mechanical and working properties of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC). Moreover, a 40mm × 40mm × 40mm mold was used in this experiment, the workability, setting time, strength, hydration heat release, porosity, and microstructure of the specimens were evaluated. The results indicated that the addition of glass powder prolonged the setting time of MKPC, reduced the workability of the matrix, and effectively lowered the hydration heat of the MKPC. Compared to an M/P ratio (MgO/KH₂PO₄ mass ratio) of 1:1, the workability of the MKPC with M/P ratios of 2:1 and 3:1 was reduced by 1% and 2.1%, respectively, and the peak hydration temperatures were reduced by 0.5% and 14.6%, respectively. The compressive strength of MKPC increased with an increase in the glass powder content at the M/P ratio of 1:1, and the addition of glass powder reduced the porosity of the matrix, effectively increased the yield of struvite-K, and affected the morphology of the hydration products. With an increase in the M/P ratio, the struvite-K content decreased, many tiny pores were more prevalent on the surface of the matrix, and the bonding integrity between the MKPC was weakened, thereby reducing the compressive strength of the matrix. At less than 40 wt.% glass powder content, the performance of MKPC improved at an M/P ratio of 1:1. In general, the addition of glass powders improved the mechanical properties of MKPC and reduced the heat of hydration.