The research entitled "Development of a Zero-Cement Binder Using Slag, Fly Ash, and Rice Husk Ash with

Chemical Activator" authored by Karim M. R. et. al. (2015) gives a promising take on introducing the
concept of having a "zero-cement" inclusion in a concrete mixture. Cement, being too expensive to
produce due to the increased scarcity of locally sourced materials has prompted the engineers to look
for alternatives to that of the binder. These alternatives are pozzolana materials that with the help of
activators, could be used as supplement of cement.

Having read the article, there are some points that would require a more meticulous clarification. Firstly,
according to Karim M. R. et. al. (2015), these pozzolana materials are just fine materials that constitutes
silica and/or alumina that not in any way has cementing properties unless acted upon by chemical
activators. The use of these materials “significantly improves the strength and durability of mortar and
concrete” but downgrades the fact that gaining improved strength takes too much time as compared
using the usual cement, since these require longer setting time and the strength development at the
initial age is slower. This behavior is not viable when there is a need of fast-paced construction due to
time constraints.

Further, there is a vagueness on the claim that that pozzolan materials such as slag and flyash that
contain moderate amounts of chemical such as NaOH, KOH, or Ca(OH) 2 can function as a binder. The
question that could be raised in this one, on what temperature this could be achieved? Is it viable for hot
environments? How about in the places where mining of raw materials of cement is difficult where the
use of pozzolana materials is much more needed?

I like how the article is being brought