Alkali activated materials based on fluid catalytic cracking catalyst residue (FCC): Influence of SiO2/Na2O and H2O/FCC ratio on mechanical strength and microstructure

► An alternative alumino-silicate material for alkali activation is tested: spent FCC. ► Alkali activation of FCC has been achieved using different Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio and H2O/FCC mass ratio. ► The optimisation of alkaline solution parameters was carried out. ► Alkali activated mortars are mechanically stable (some of the prepared mixtures yielded more than 60 MPa).