Hazard Materials-free Geopolymer Binders for Concrete Green Concrete

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the construction industry requires solutions like Geopolymer concrete which uses waste materials such as Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as binder materials instead of cement. This study explores the efficiency of user-friendly sodium silicate, potassium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide as alkaline activator for geopolymer concrete using fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as binders. Samples made by using the mentioned material showed promising compressive strength which can further be enhanced. Geopolymers offer a promising solution due to their lower carbon footprint, improved durability, and potential for utilizing waste materials. This research aims to identify the user-friendly optimal activator combination for achieving superior mechanical properties for geopolymer concrete.