GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITE MADE THROUGH PARTIAL REPLACING FLY ASH AND SLAG WITH CHEAPER AND LESS USED WASTE PRECURSORS
Keywords:
geopolymer composite, waste, alumina-silicate, clay brick, building concrete, flat glass
Abstract
The research presented in this paper was focused on making a geopolymer composite characterized by the large replacement of the most commonly used alumina-silicate precursors (carbon ash and processed metallurgical slag) with cheaper and less commonly utilized wastes. Thus, clay brick waste, residual building concrete, and flat glass waste resulted from building demolition were introduced in manufacturing mixture after reducing the carbon ash and slag content. Many previous works in the literature have confirmed that carbon ash and metallurgical slag are the most suitable industrial secondary products usable in the preparing process of geopolymer composites, but their intense demand has contributed to the trend of increasing their price. Numerous alternative materials with cementitious and pozzolanic properties available in the world offer the possibility of using them for similar purposes. Even if applying these wastes does not result in reaching the qualitative level of carbon ash/slag-based geopolymer, their appropriate combination is beneficial and the current work used different experimental versions including clay brick, residual concrete, and flat glass resulted from building demolition, associated with significantly reduced consumption of ash and slag.
References
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23. Elyamany, H.E., Abd Elmoaty, A.E.M., Mohamed, B., Effect of filler types on physical, mechanical and microstructure of self compacting concrete and Flow-able concrete, Alexandria Engineering Journal, Elsevier, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 295-307, (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2014.03.010
24. Zeyad, A.M., Magbool, H.M., Tayeh, B.A., Garcez de Azevedo, A.R., Abutaleb, A., Hossain, Q., Production of geopolymer concrete by utilizing volcanic pumice dust, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 16, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00802
25. Wang, P., Liu, D.Y., Physical and chemical properties of sintering red mud and Bayer red mud and the implications for beneficial utilization, Material (Basel), Elsevier, Vol. 5, No. 10, pp. 1800-1810, (2012). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma5101800
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28. Paunescu, L., Dragoescu, M.F., Axinte, S.M., Sebe, A.C., Lightweight aggregate from recycled masonry rubble achieved in microwave field, Nonconventional Technologies Review, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 47-51, (2019).
29. Ioana, A., Paunescu, L., Constantin, N., Pollifroni, M., Deonise, D., Petcu, F.S., Glass foam from flat glass waste produced by the microwave irradiation technique, Micromachines, MDPI, Vol. 13, (2022). https://doi,org/10.3390/mi13040550
30. Dyg Siti Quraisyah, A.A., Kartini, K., Hamidah, M.S., Water absorption of incorporating sustainable quarry dust in self-compacting concrete, 4th International Symposium on Green and Sustainable Technology (ISGST), Kampar, Malaysia, October 3-6, 2021, IOP Conf. Series: Earth Environmental Science, Vol. 945, IOP Publishing Ltd., (2021). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/945/1/012037
31. Waqas, R.M., Butt, F., Zhu, X., Jiang, T., Tufail, R.F., A comprehensive study on the factors affecting the workability and mechanical properties of ambient cured fly ash and slag based geopolymer concrete, Applied Sciences, MDPI, Lacidogna, G. (acad. ed.), Vol. 11, No. 18, (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188722
32. Sankar Chanda, S., Guchhalt, S., A comprehensive review on the factors influencing engineering characteristics of lightweight geopolymer concrete, Journal of Building Engineering, Elsevier, Vol. 86, (2024). https://doi.org/j.jobe.2024.108887
33. Thomas, B.S., Yang, J., Bahurudeen, A., Chinnu, S.N., Abdalla, J.A., Hawilch, R.A., Hamada, H.M., Geopolymer concrete incorporating recycled aggregates: A comprehensive review, Cleaner Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 3, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2022.100056
34. Kugler, F., Fehn, T., Sandner, M., Kremar, W., Teipel, U., Microstructural and mechanical properties of geopolymers based on brick scrap and fly ash, International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science, The American Ceramic Society Publication Central, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 92-101, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/ces2.10120
2. Alawi, A., Milad, A., Barbieri, D., Alosta, M., Alaneme, G.U., Bux, Q., Eco-friendly geopolymer composites prepared from agro-industrial wastes: A state-of-the-art review, CivilEng, MDPI, Luongo, A., D’Annibale, F. (acad. eds.), Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 433-453, (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng4020025
3. Andrew, R.M., Global CO2 emissions from cement production, Journal of Earth System Science, Springer Link Publishing, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 195-217, (2018). https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2017-77
4. Davidovits, J., Geopolymers: Inorganic polymeric new materials, Journal of Thermal Analysis Calorimetry, Springer Link Publishing, Vol. 37, No. 8, pp. 1633-1656, (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01912193
5. Telrandhe, S., Fiber reinforced concrete-types, properties and advantages, Sakshi Chem Science Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, (2025). https://www.sakshichemsciences.com/fiber-reinforced-concrete/
6. Afroughsabet, V., Biotzi, L., Ozbakkaloglu, T., High-performance fiber-reinforced concrete: a review, Journal of Materials Science, Springer Science-Business Publishing (on-line), New York, the United States, (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-9917-4
7. Goel, G., Sachdeva, P., Kumar Chaudhary, A., Singh, Y., The use of nanomaterials in concrete: A review, Materials Today: Proceedings, Elsevier, Vol. 69, Part 2, pp. 365-371, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.051
8. Paunescu, L., Axinte, S.M., Volceanov, E., Nonconventional geopolymerization and densification method of alumina-silicate waste solids for producing extremely high-strength geopolymers, Nonconventional Technologies Review, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 22-27, (2024). https://www.revtn.ro/index.php/revtn/article/view/488/436
9. Paunescu, L., Paunescu, B.V., Volceanov, E., Nonconventional procedure of more intense valorization of alumina-silicate waste for preparing new geopolymeric materials suitable in construction, Nonconventional Technologies Review, Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 18-23, (2024). https://www.revtn.ro/index.php/revtn/article/view/488/436
10. Paunescu, L., Volceanov, E., Paunescu, B.V., Ioana A., Fly ash-based aerogel reinforced with polyester fibres for remarkable thermal and acoustic properties, Nonconventional Technologies Review, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 27-31, (2023). https://www.revtn.ro/index.php/revtn/article/view/406
11. Paunescu, L., Volceanov, E., Paunescu, B.V., Reinforced concrete composite with vegetable fibre, Academic Journal of Manufacturing Engineering, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 120-125, (2023). https://ajme.ro/PDF_AJME_2023_1/L15.pdf
12. Paunescu, L., Ioana, A., Volceanov, E., Paunescu, B.V., The use of keratin protein as animal fibers to make a geopolymer based on alumino-silicate industrial by-products, Bulletin of Polytechnic Institute from Iasi, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Section, Vol. 69 (73), No. 4, pp. 33-46, (2023), ISSN: 2537-2947.
13. Paunescu, L., Ioana, A., Paunescu, B.V., Environmentally friendly technique for making high-strength geopolymer concrete reinforced with animal fibers as food industry waste, Romanian Journal of Civil Engineering, Matrix Rom Publishing, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 88-97, (2024).
14. Almutairi, A.L., Tayeh, B.A., Adesina, A., Isleem, H.F., Zeyad, A.M., Potential applications of geopolymer concrete in construction: A review, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 15, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00733
15. Wang, F., Ding, Y., Nishiwaki, T., Zhang, Z., Yu, K., Fully recycled engineered geopolymer composite, mechanical properties and sustainability assessment, Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, Vol. 471, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143382
16. Alrefaei, Y., Dai, J.G., Tensile behavior and microstructure of hybrid fiber ambient cured one-part engineered geopolymer composites, Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 184, pp. 419-431, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.012
17. Paunescu, B.V., Paunescu, L., Volceanov, E., Microsilica and steel dust as nano- and micro particles addition for increasing the mechanical strength of fly ash and blast furnace slag-geopolymer concrete, Romanian Journal of Civil Engineering, Matrix Rom Publishing, Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 120-129, (2023).
18. Ling, Y., Wang, K., Li, W., Shi, G., Liu, P., Effect of slag on the mechanical properties and bond strength of fly ash-based engineered geopolymer composites, Composites Part B: Engineering, Elsevier, Vol. 164, pp. 747-757, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.01.092
19. Deb, P.S., Nath, P., Sarker, P.K., The effects of ground granulated blast-furnace slag blending with fly ash and activator content on the workability and strength properties of geopolymer concrete cured at ambient temperature, Materials & Design (1980-2015), Elsevier, Vol. 62, pp. 32-39, (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.05.001
20. Ahmed, J.K., Atmaca, N., Khoshnaw, G.J., Exploring flexural performance and abrasion resistance in recycled brick powder-based engineered geopolymer composites, Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic Application Science, Springer Open, Vol. 13, (2024). https://bjbas.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43088-024-00532-7
21. Wu, H., Liu, X., Wang, C., Zhang, Y., Ma, Z., Micro-properties and mechanical behavior of high-ductility engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) with recycled concrete and paste powder as green precursor, Cement and Concrete Composites, Elsevier, Vol. 152, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2024.105672
22. Zabihi, S.M., Tavakoli, H.R., Evaluation of monomer ratio on performance of GGBFS-RHA alkali-activated concretes, Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 28, pp. 326-332, (2019). https://structurae.net/fr/litterature/article-de-revue/evaluation-of-monomer-ratio-on-performance-of-ggbfs-rha-alkali-activated-concretes/citations
23. Elyamany, H.E., Abd Elmoaty, A.E.M., Mohamed, B., Effect of filler types on physical, mechanical and microstructure of self compacting concrete and Flow-able concrete, Alexandria Engineering Journal, Elsevier, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 295-307, (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2014.03.010
24. Zeyad, A.M., Magbool, H.M., Tayeh, B.A., Garcez de Azevedo, A.R., Abutaleb, A., Hossain, Q., Production of geopolymer concrete by utilizing volcanic pumice dust, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 16, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00802
25. Wang, P., Liu, D.Y., Physical and chemical properties of sintering red mud and Bayer red mud and the implications for beneficial utilization, Material (Basel), Elsevier, Vol. 5, No. 10, pp. 1800-1810, (2012). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma5101800
26. Hu, W., Nie, Q., Huang, B., Shu, X., He, Q., Mechanical and microstructural characterization of geopolymers derived from red mud and fly ash, Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, Vol. 186, pp. 799-806, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.086
27. Youssef. N., Rabenantoandro, A.Z., Dakhli, Z., Chapiseau, C., Waendendries, F., Chehade, F.H., Lafhaj, Z., Reuse of waste bricks: a new generation of geopolymer bricks, SN Applied Sciences, Springer Link Publishing, Vol. 1, (2019). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-019-1209-6
28. Paunescu, L., Dragoescu, M.F., Axinte, S.M., Sebe, A.C., Lightweight aggregate from recycled masonry rubble achieved in microwave field, Nonconventional Technologies Review, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 47-51, (2019).
29. Ioana, A., Paunescu, L., Constantin, N., Pollifroni, M., Deonise, D., Petcu, F.S., Glass foam from flat glass waste produced by the microwave irradiation technique, Micromachines, MDPI, Vol. 13, (2022). https://doi,org/10.3390/mi13040550
30. Dyg Siti Quraisyah, A.A., Kartini, K., Hamidah, M.S., Water absorption of incorporating sustainable quarry dust in self-compacting concrete, 4th International Symposium on Green and Sustainable Technology (ISGST), Kampar, Malaysia, October 3-6, 2021, IOP Conf. Series: Earth Environmental Science, Vol. 945, IOP Publishing Ltd., (2021). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/945/1/012037
31. Waqas, R.M., Butt, F., Zhu, X., Jiang, T., Tufail, R.F., A comprehensive study on the factors affecting the workability and mechanical properties of ambient cured fly ash and slag based geopolymer concrete, Applied Sciences, MDPI, Lacidogna, G. (acad. ed.), Vol. 11, No. 18, (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188722
32. Sankar Chanda, S., Guchhalt, S., A comprehensive review on the factors influencing engineering characteristics of lightweight geopolymer concrete, Journal of Building Engineering, Elsevier, Vol. 86, (2024). https://doi.org/j.jobe.2024.108887
33. Thomas, B.S., Yang, J., Bahurudeen, A., Chinnu, S.N., Abdalla, J.A., Hawilch, R.A., Hamada, H.M., Geopolymer concrete incorporating recycled aggregates: A comprehensive review, Cleaner Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 3, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2022.100056
34. Kugler, F., Fehn, T., Sandner, M., Kremar, W., Teipel, U., Microstructural and mechanical properties of geopolymers based on brick scrap and fly ash, International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science, The American Ceramic Society Publication Central, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 92-101, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/ces2.10120
Published
2025-12-31
How to Cite
Paunescu, L., Volceanov, E., & Paunescu, B. (2025). GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITE MADE THROUGH PARTIAL REPLACING FLY ASH AND SLAG WITH CHEAPER AND LESS USED WASTE PRECURSORS. Nonconventional Technologies Review, 29(4). Retrieved from http://www.revtn.ro/index.php/revtn/article/view/559
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Articles
