Abstract:

New eco-friendly construction materials alternatives to Portland cement are crucial to the industry and global climate because they reduce the use of fast-degrading natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) was used to make geopolymer cement (GPC) at ambient temperature and about 100% relative humidity. The effects of replacing slag with 5 and 10% fly ash or clay-brick wastes (Homra) and alkaline activator solution sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio (SS:SH) on geopolymer properties were examined. This was done by measuring compressive strength, water absorption, FTIR spectra, XRD patterns, and SEM imaging. Experimental results show that 5% FA or Homra replacement of GGBS is optimal. The best weight-based SS:SH ratio is 1, while 0.5 yields the lowest compressive strength and highest water absorption.