We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Recycled Glass and Plastic Waste in Sustainable Geopolymer Systems for Affordable Housing Solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed geopolymer concrete incorporating fly ash, slag, and recycled glass and plastic waste as aggregate replacements, achieving compressive strengths up to 24.6 MPa within 7 days while fully replacing ordinary Portland cement, demonstrating a viable low-carbon construction material for affordable housing.
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven research into low-carbon geopolymers that mitigate both cement-related emissions and plastic and glass waste accumulation. This study explores the development of geopolymer concrete incorporating fly ash (FA), slag (S), and FA + S blends, with 10% recycled crushed glass (RCG) and recycled plastic waste (RPW) as partial coarse aggregate replacements. Compressive strength testing revealed that FA + S-based geopolymers (25FA + S) with 100% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacement achieved a 7-day strength of 24.6 MPa, representing a 98% improvement over control specimens. Slag-based geopolymers demonstrated water absorption properties comparable to OPC, indicating enhanced durability. Microstructural analyses using SEM, XRD, and EDS confirmed the formation of a dense aluminosilicate matrix, with slag promoting FA reactivity and reinforcing interfacial transition zone (ITZ). These effects contributed to superior mechanical performance and water resistance. Despite minor shrinkage-induced cracking, full OPC replacement with S or FA + S geopolymers outperformed control specimens, consistently exceeding the target strength of 15 MPa required for low-impact, single-story housing applications within seven days. These findings underscore the potential of geopolymer systems for rapid and sustainable construction, offering an effective solution for reducing carbon footprints and repurposing industrial waste.
More Papers Like This
Integrating quarry dust and industrial waste in producing eco-friendly hybrid geopolymer concrete
AI summary Read the abstract
A hybrid geopolymer concrete incorporating industrial plastic waste (plastic shales, pellets) and quarry dust as aggregate substitutes showed comparable or superior mechanical performance to conventional cement concrete, with basalt or dolomite powder replacement increasing compressive strength by ~10%. This is relevant to microplastic research as it demonstrates a pathway to sequester plastic waste into construction materials, potentially reducing plastic fragmentation into environmental microplastics.
A sustainable approach to geopolymer concrete utilizing waste materials including plastic waste
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the use of various supplementary cementitious materials including fly ash, silica fume, rice husk ash, and plastic waste in geopolymer concrete as a lower-carbon alternative to Portland cement. The study assessed how different additive combinations and mix proportions affect fresh and hardened geopolymer concrete properties.
Development of a Low-Density Waste-Based Geopolymer Construction Material
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed low-density geopolymer construction materials by incorporating waste fly ash and polystyrene into geopolymer matrices, optimising component mixing ratios, activator concentration, and curing conditions to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce reliance on Portland cement.
Mechanical and Microstructural Investigation of Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating Recycled Waste Plastic Aggregate
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated incorporating recycled waste plastic aggregate into geopolymer concrete, finding that it can produce structurally viable construction materials while diverting plastic waste from landfill and reducing reliance on virgin aggregates.
Sustainable geopolymers from polyethylene terephthalate waste and industrial by-products: a comprehensive characterisation and performance predictions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed geopolymer bricks using recycled PET plastic waste combined with industrial by-products like rice husk ash and blast furnace slag. They found that certain formulations produced bricks with strength and durability comparable to conventional building materials. The study demonstrates a practical approach for diverting plastic waste from landfills while creating sustainable construction materials.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.