The incorporation of crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires into ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and alkali-activated slag (AAS) based concretes offers a sustainable approach to enhance functional performance. CR improves elasticity, impact resistance, and thermal insulation; However, its hydrophobic nature limits interfacial bonding, reducing strength and workability. Surface treatment strategies, including chemical and thermal treatments, effectively enhance CR matrix adhesion. Compared to OPC, AAS-based mixtures exhibit superior compatibility with CR due to their dense microstructure and alkaline environment, resulting in improved durability and interfacial performance.
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