Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Recycling waste materials in geopolymer concrete

  • Review
  • Published:
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The widespread industry adoption of geopolymer concrete has the potential to positively contribute to environmental sustainability in both the industrial and construction sectors, through the recycling of waste materials, and the reduction in carbon emissions. Extensive research has been conducted into geopolymers during the past two decades, demonstrating the potential for the alkali-activated cement to replace ordinary Portland cement. However, there are a number of challenges facing the adoption of geopolymers. Much of the research into geopolymers uses sodium silicate solution as the alkali activator. Studies have noted that sodium silicate solutions are highly corrosive, and, as such, can be defined as user-hostile systems. Alternative alkali activators, such as potassium silicate solutions, have been proposed as more user-friendly and therefore more favourable for industry adoption. The highly variable nature of waste materials needs to be a focus of future research, with mix designs that focus on locally available waste materials with minimal processing. Much research has focused on heat-cured geopolymers; however, this increases the embodied energy while reducing the environmental benefit, which also acts as a limiting factor for in situ applications. Research into ambient temperature curing, addressing the issues of compressive strength, the rate of strength development, and curing time is required. Durability issues need to be addressed with studies finding the compressive strength of geopolymers being reduced after relatively short time periods of immersion in water, and potential problems relating to chloride induced corrosion of reinforcing steel. Further research is recommended for developing standardized leachate analysis for geopolymers containing recycled waste materials. The objective of this paper is to review the research into waste-incorporated geopolymers and highlight the barriers to industry adoption with a view to pointing the way forward for future research.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmari S, Zhang L (2012) Production of eco-friendly bricks from copper mine tailings through geopolymerization. Constr Build Mater 29:323–331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmari S, Zhang L (2013) Durability and leaching behavior of mine tailings-based geopolymer bricks. Constr Build Mater 44:743–750

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmari S, Ren X, Toufigh V, Zhang L (2012) Production of geopolymeric binder from blended waste concrete powder and fly ash. Constr Build Mater 35:718–729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akçaözoğlu S, Ulu C (2014) Recycling of waste PET granules as aggregate in alkali-activated blast furnace slag/metakaolin blends. Constr Build Mater 58:31–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldred D, Day J (2012). Is geopolymer concrete a suitable alternative to traditional concrete?. https://www.wagner.com.au/media/36776/JAldred_JDay_Geopolymer-Concrete_Singapore-2012.pdf

  • Allahverdi A, Kani EN (2008) Construction wastes as raw materials for geopolymer binders. Int J Civ Eng 7(3):154–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Majidi MH, Lampropoulos A, Cundy A, Meikle S (2016) Development of geopolymer mortar under ambient temperature for in situ applications. Constr Build Mater 120:198–211

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arioz E, Arioz O, Mete Kockar O (2012) Leaching of F-type fly ash based geopolymers. Procedia Eng 42:1114–1120

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arulrajah A, Kua T, Phetchuay C, Horpibulsuk S, Mahghoolpilehrood F, Disfani MM (2015) Spent coffee grounds—fly ash geopolymer used as an embankment structural fill material. J Mater Civ Eng 28:04015197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arulrajah A, Kua T, Horpibulsuk S, Phetchuay C, Suksiripattanapong C, Du Y (2016a) Strength and microstructure evaluation of recycled glass-fly ash geopolymer as low-carbon masonry units. Constr Build Mater 114:400–406

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arulrajah A, Mohammadinia A, Phummiphan I, Horpibulsuk S, Samingthong W (2016b) Stabilization of recycled demolition aggregates by geopolymers comprising calcium carbide residue, fly ash and slag precursors. Constr Build Mater 114:864–873

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Babaee M, Castel A (2016) Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement in low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Cem Concr Res 88:96–107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bajare D, Bumanis G, Korjakins A (2014) New porous material made from industrial and municipal waste for building application. Mater Sci 20(3):333–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Cantarel V, Nouaille F, Rooses A, Lambertin D, Poulesquen A, Frizon F (2015) Solidification/stabilisation of liquid oil waste in metakaolin-based geopolymer. J Nucl Mater 464:16–19

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng T, Chiu J (2003) Fire-resistant geopolymer produced by granulated blast furnace slag. Miner Eng 16(3):205–210

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chindaprasirt P, Rattanasak U (2010) Utilization of blended fluidized bed combustion (FBC) ash and pulverized coal combustion (PCC) fly ash in geopolymer. Waste Manag 30(4):667–672

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chindaprasirt P, Chareerat T, Sirivivatnanon V (2007) Workability and strength of coarse high calcium fly ash geopolymer. Cem Concr Compos 29(3):224–229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colangelo F, De Luca G, Ferone C, Mauro A (2013) Experimental and numerical analysis of thermal and hygrometric characteristics of building structures employing recycled plastic aggregates and geopolymer concrete. Energies 6(11):6077–6101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davidovits J (1991) Geopolymers: inorganic polymeric new materials. J Therm Anal 37(8):1633–1656

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davidovits J (2011). Geopolymer chemistry and applications. Institut Geopolymere. The European Research Project GEOASH (2014). The development of room temperature hardening slag/fly ash-based geopolymer cements for Geopolymer Concretes. Institut Geopolymere, Technical paper #22

  • Dirgantara R, Gunasekara C, Law DW, Molyneaux TK (2017) Suitability of Brown coal fly ash for geopolymer production. J Mater Civ Eng 29(12):04017247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ecologically Sustainable development (ESD) (1992). Australian Government, National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development. Council of Australian Governments. http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/esd/publications/national-esd-strategy

  • Fernandez-Jimenez A, Palomo A, Criado A (2005) Microstructure development of alkali-activated fly ash cement: a descriptive model. Cem Concr Res 35(6):1204–1209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez-Jimenez AM, Palomo A, Lopez-Hombrados C (2006) Engineering properties of alkali-activated fly ash concrete. ACI Mater J 103(2):106–112

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freidin C (2007) Cementless pressed blocks from waste products of coal-firing power station. Constr Build Mater 21(1):12–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganesan N, Abraham R, Raj SD (2015) Durability characteristics of steel fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete. Constr Build Mater 93:471–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrabrants AC, Kosson DS, DeLapp R, van der Sloot HA (2014) Effect of coal combustion fly ash use in concrete on the mass transport release of constituents of potential concern. Chemosphere 103:131–139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Geetha S, Ramamurthy K (2013) Properties of geopolymerised low-calcium bottom ash aggregate cured at ambient temperature. Cement Concr Compos 43:20–30

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gunasekara MPCM, Law DW, Setunge S, (2014). Effect Of composition of fly ash on compressive strength of fly ash based geopolymer mortar. In: Smith ST (ed) 23rd Australasian conference on the mechanics of structures and materials (ACMSM23). Byron Bay, Australia, pp 113–118

  • Gunasekara MPCM, Law DW, Setunge S, Sanjayan JG (2015) Zeta potential, gel formation and compressive strength of low calcium fly ash geopolymers. Constr Build Mater 95:592–599

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunasekara MPCM, Law DW, Setunge S (2016) Long term permeation properties of different fly ash geopolymer concretes. Constr Build Mater 124:352–362

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • He J, Jie Y, Zhang J, Yu Y, Zhang G (2013) Synthesis and characterization of red mud and rice husk ash-based geopolymer composites. Cem Concr Compos 37:108–118

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horpibulsuk S, Suksiripattanapong C, Samingthong W, Rachan R, Arulrajah A (2016) Durability against wetting-drying cycles of water treatment sludge-fly ash geopolymer and water treatment sludge-cement and silty clay-cement systems. J Mater Civ Eng 28(1):4015078(9)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoy M, Horpibulsuk S, Rachan R, Chinkulkijniwat A, Arulrajah A (2016) Recycled asphalt pavement—fly ash geopolymers as a sustainable pavement base material: strength and toxic leaching investigations. Sci Total Environ 573:19–26

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hoy M, Horpibulsuk S, Arulrajah A, Mohajerani A (2018). ‘Strength and microstructural study of recycled asphalt pavement: Slag geopolymer as a pavement base material’. in J Mater Civ Eng, Am Soc Civ Eng (ASCE), U S 30(8): 1–11. ISSN: 0899-1561

  • Islam A, Alengaram U, Jumaat M, Bashar I (2014) The development of compressive strength of ground granulated blast furnace slag-palm oil fuel ash-fly ash based geopolymer mortar. Mater Des 56:833–841

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Izquierdo M, Querol X, Phillipart C, Antenucci D, Towler M (2010) The role of open and closed curing conditions on the leaching properties of fly ash-slag-based geopolymers. J Hazard Mater 176(1–3):623–628

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kani EN, Allahverdi A, Provis JL (2012) Efflorescence control in geopolymer binders based on natural pozzolan. Cem Concr Compos 34:25–33

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karim M, Zain M, Jamil M, Lai F (2013) Fabrication of a non-cement binder using slag, palm oil fuel ash and rice husk ash with sodium hydroxide. Constr Build Mater 49:894–902

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khale D, Chaudhary R (2007) Mechanism of geopolymerization and factors influencing its development: a review. J Mater Sci 42:729–746

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kiventerä J, Golek L, Yliniemi J, Ferreira V, Deja J, Illikainen M (2016) Utilization of sulphidic tailings from gold mine as a raw material in geopolymerization. Int J Miner Process 149:104–110

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kosson DS, Garrabrants AC, DeLapp R, van der Sloot HA (2014) pH-dependent leaching of constituents of potential concern from concrete materials containing coal combustion fly ash. Chemosphere 103:140–147

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kourti I, Devaraj A, Guerrero Bustos A, Deegan D, Boccaccini A, Cheeseman C (2011) Geopolymers prepared from DC plasma treated air pollution control (APC) residues glass: properties and characterisation of the binder phase. J Hazard Mater 196:86–92

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kramar S, Šajna A, Ducman V (2016) Assessment of alkali activated mortars based on different precursors with regard to their suitability for concrete repair. Constr Build Mater 124:937–944

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kua T, Arulrajah A, Horpibulsuk S, Du Y, Shen S (2016) Strength assessment of spent coffee grounds-geopolymer cement utilizing slag and fly ash precursors. Constr Build Mater 115:565–575

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kua T, Arulrajah A, Horpibulsuk S, Du Y, Suksiripattanapong C (2017) Engineering and environmental evaluation of spent coffee grounds stabilized with industrial by-products as a road subgrade material. Clean Technol Environ Policy 19:63–75

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Kumar S (2013) Development of paving blocks from synergistic use of red mud and fly ash using geopolymerization. Constr Build Mater 38:865–871

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Kumar R, Mehrotra S (2010) Influence of granulated blast furnace slag on the reaction, structure and properties of fly ash based geopolymer. J Mater Sci 45(3):607–615

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuo W, Wang H, Shu C (2014) Engineering properties of cementless concrete produced from GGBFS and recycled desulfurization slag. Constr Build Mater 63:189–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kupaei R, Alengaram U, Jumaat M, Nikraz H (2013) Mix design for fly ash based oil palm shell geopolymer lightweight concrete. Constr Build Mater 43:490–496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kupaei R, Alengaram U, Jumaat M (2014) The effect of different parameters on the development of compressive strength of oil palm shell geopolymer concrete. Sci World J 2014:1–16

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lampris C, Lupo R, Cheeseman C (2009) Geopolymerisation of silt generated from construction and demolition waste washing plants. Waste Manag 29(1):368–373

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Law DW, Adam AA, Molyneaux TK, Patnaikuni I, Wardhono A (2015) Long term durability properties of class F fly ash geopolymer concrete. Mater Struct 48:721–731

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd NA, Rangan BV (2010) Geopolymer concrete with fly ash. In: Second international conference on sustainable construction materials and technologies June 28–June 30, 2010, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy

  • Lloyd RR, Provis JL, van Deventer JSJ (2010) Pore solution composition and alkali diffusion in inorganic polymer cement. Cem Concr Res 40(9):1386–1392

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Luna Y, Arenas C, Cornejo A, Leiva C, Vilches L, Fernandez-Pereira C (2014) Recycling by-products from coal-fired power stations into different construction materials. Int J Energy Environ Eng 5(4):387–397

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mathew B, Sudhakar M, Natarajan C (2013) Strength, economic and sustainability characteristics of coal ash –GGBS based geopolymer concrete. Int J Comput Eng Res 3(1):207–212

    Google Scholar 

  • McLellan BC, Williams RP, Lay J, van Riessen A, Corder GD (2011) Costs and carbon emissions for geopolymer pastes in comparison to ordinary Portland cement. J Clean Prod 19:1080–1090

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mehta A, Siddique R (2016) An overview of geopolymers derived from industrial by-products. Constr Build Mater 127:183–198

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammadinia A, Arulrajah A, Sanjayan J, Disfani MM, Bo MW, Darmawan S (2016a) Stabilization of demolition materials for pavement base/subbase applications using fly ash and slag geopolymers: laboratory investigation. J Mater Civ Eng 28:04016033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohammadinia A, Arulrajah A, Sanjayan J, Disfani MM, Bo MW, Darmawan S (2016b) Strength development and microfabric structure of construction and demolition aggregates stabilized with fly ash-based geopolymers. J Mater Civ Eng 28(11):4016141(8)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olivia M, Nikraz H (2011) Durability of fly ash geopolymer concrete in a seawater environment. In: Proceedings of the CONCRETE 2011 conference, The Concrete Institute of Australia

  • Pacheco-Torgal F, Castro-Gomes JP, Jalali S (2008) Investigations of tungsten mine waste geopolymeric binder: strength and microstructure. Constr Build Mater 22(11):2212–2219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pacheco-Torgal F, Ding Y, Miraldo S, Abdollahnejad Z, Labrincha J (2012) Are geopolymers more suitable than Portland cement to produce high volume recycled aggregates HPC? Constr Build Mater 36:1048–1052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pasupathy K, Berndt M, Sanjayan J, Rajeev P, Cheema DS (2017) Durability of low-calcium fly ash based geopolymer concrete culvert in a saline environment. Cem Concr Res 100:297–310

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peng J, Huang L, Zhao Y, Chen P, Zeng L, Zheng W (2013) Modeling of carbon dioxide measurement on cement plants. Adv Mater Res 610–613(1):2120–2128

    Google Scholar 

  • Perná I, Hanzlíček T (2014) The solidification of aluminum production waste in geopolymer matrix. J Clean Prod 84:657–662

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Provis JL, Palomo A, Shi CJ (2015) Advances in understanding alkali-activated materials. Cem Concr Res 78:110–125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rajini B, Rao A (2014) Mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete with fly ash and GGBS as source materials. Int J Innov Res Sci Eng Technol 03(09):15944–15953

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rakhimova N, Rakhimov R (2015) Alkali-activated cements and mortars based on blast furnace slag and red clay brick waste. Mater Des 85:324–331

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez E, Bernal S, Provis J, Gehman J, Monzó J, Payá J, Borrachero M (2013) Geopolymers based on spent catalyst residue from a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process. Fuel 109:493–502

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Santamouris M (2013) Using cool pavements as a mitigation strategy to fight urban heat island—a review of the actual developments. Renew Sust Energy Rev 26:40–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silva I, Castro-Gomes J, Albuquerque A (2012) Effect of immersion in water partially alkali-activated materials obtained of tungsten mine waste mud. Constr Build Mater 35:117–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha D, Kumar A, Kumar S (2013) Reduction of pollution by using Fly ash, bottom ash and granulated blast furnace slag in geopolymer building materials. Sch J Eng Technol 1(3):177–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Subburaj S, Ravikumar S, Ajith V (2014) Strength and durability characteristics of geopolymer concrete using GGBS and RHA. ISSN 2(4):12–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun Z, Cui H, An H, Tao D, Xu Y, Zhai J, Li Q (2013) Synthesis and thermal behavior of geopolymer-type material from waste ceramic. Constr Build Mater 49:281–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teh SH, Wiedmann T, Castel A, de Burgh J (2017) Hybrid life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from cement, concrete and geopolymer concrete in Australia. J Clean Prod 152:312–320

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Temuujin J, Minjigmaa A, Davaabal B, Bayarzul U, Ankhtuya A, Jadambaa T, MacKenzie K (2014) Utilization of radioactive high-calcium Mongolian fly ash for the preparation of alkali-activated geopolymers for safe use as construction materials. Ceram Int 40(10):16475–16483

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thakkar S, Bhorwani D, Ambaliya R (2014) Geopolymer concrete using different source materials. Int J Emerg Technol Adv Eng 4(4):10–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Tho-in T, Sata V, Chindaprasirt P, Jaturapitakkul C (2012) Pervious high-calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete. Constr Build Mater 30:366–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tong KT, Vinai R, Soutsos MN (2018) Use of Vietnamese rice husk ash for the production of sodium silicate as the activator for alkali-activated binders. J Clean Prod 201:272–286

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Torres-Carrasco M, Puertas F (2015) Waste glass in the geopolymer preparation. Mechanical and microstructural characterisation. J Clean Prod 90:397–408

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tzanakos K, Mimilidou A, Anastasiadou K, Stratakis A, Gidarakos E (2014) Solidification/stabilization of ash from medical waste incineration into geopolymers. Waste Manag 34(10):1823–1828

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ul Haq E, Padmanabhan SK, Licciulli A (2014) Synthesis and characteristics of fly ash and bottom ash based geopolymers—A comparative study. Ceram Int 40(2):2965–2971

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Sloot HA, Kosson DS (2012) Use of characterisation leaching tests and associated modelling tools in assessing the hazardous nature of wastes. J Hazard Mater 208:36–43

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wardhono A, Law DW, Strano A (2015) The strength of alkali-activated slag/fly ash mortar blends at ambient temperature. Procedia Eng 125:650–656

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wardhono A, Gunasekara C, Law DW, Setunge S (2017) Comparison of long term performance between alkali activated slag and fly ash geopolymer concretes. Constr Build Mater 143:272–279

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weil M, Dombrowski K, Buchwald A (2009) Life-cycle analysis of geopolymers. In: Provis JL, Van Deventer JSJ (eds) Geopolymers: structures, processing, properties and industrial applications. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, pp 194–210

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Xie J, Kayali O (2014) Effect of initial water content and curing moisture conditions on the development of fly ash-based geopolymers in heat and ambient temperature. Constr Build Mater 67:20–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan S, Sagoe-Crentsil K (2012) Properties of wastepaper sludge in geopolymer mortars for masonry applications. J Environ Manag 112:27–32

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang T, Yao X, Zhang Z (2014) Geopolymer prepared with high-magnesium nickel slag: characterization of properties and microstructure. Constr Build Mater 59:188–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zarina Y, Al Bakri AM, Kamarudin H, Khairul Nizar I, Rafiza A (2013) Review on the various ash from palm oil waste as geopolymer material. Rev Adv Mater Sci 34:37–43

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Wang H, Provis JL, ReidA (2013) Efflorescence: a critical challenge for geopolymer applications?. In: Concrete Institute of Australia, Biennial National Conference

  • Zhang M, El-Korchi T, Zhang G, Liang J, Tao M (2014) Synthesis factors affecting mechanical properties, microstructure, and chemical composition of red mud-fly ash based geopolymers. Fuel 134:315–325

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Abbas Mohajerani.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mohajerani, A., Suter, D., Jeffrey-Bailey, T. et al. Recycling waste materials in geopolymer concrete. Clean Techn Environ Policy 21, 493–515 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-018-01660-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-018-01660-2

Keywords

Navigation