Experimental Study On Ambient Cured Alkali Activated Geopolymer Concrete Using Metakaolin And Copper Slag As Sustainable Cementitious Binders

Abstract

The Global Demand For Cement Is Rising Exponentially To Meet The Rapid Development Of Infrastructure. However, The Production Of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Is Highly Carbon-intensive, Contributing Significantly To Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Environmental Degradation. Consequently, Researchers Are Under Substantial Pressure To Find Sustainable, Alternative Binders That Can Minimize This Carbon Footprint. Geopolymers Have Gained Significant Traction As Novel, Eco-friendly Binders Emerging As A Viable Alternative To OPC. The Superior Performance Of Geopolymer Binders Particularly Regarding Fire And Corrosion Resistance—is Largely Attributed To The Distinct Absence Of Water And Calcium-rich Phases Within Their Cross-linked Network Compared To Traditional Cement Hydrates. To Further Enhance Sustainability, Industrial By-products Can Be Upcycled As Supplementary Cementitious Materials. Metakaolin (MK), Metakaolin Is A Highly Reactive Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM), Primarily Used In Concrete Technology As A Partial Replacement For Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).. Its High Silica And Alumina Content Plays A Crucial Role In Achieving Superior Mechanical Strength And Durability In Concrete. Similarly, Copper Slag Is A Massive By-product Generated During The Smelting And Refining Of Copper. The Current Disposal Methods For Both Metakaolin And Copper Slag Pose Severe Environmental And Spatial Challenges Around Industrial Sectors. Incorporating These Industrial Wastes Into Geopolymer Concrete Serves A Dual Purpose: It Mitigates The Environmental Impact Of Cement Production And Provides An Effective Waste-management Solution. While Many Geopolymer Systems Require Elevated Heat Curing To Achieve Optimal Properties, This Study Focuses On Ambient-cured Systems To Maximize Practical Field Applicability. This Paper Presents An Experimental Investigation Into The Acid Resistance Of Ambient-cured Alkali-activated Metakaolin And Copper Slag Concrete. Additionally, It Provides A Comprehensive Review Of Existing Literature Evaluating The Performance And Degradation Mechanisms Of Geopolymer Concrete When Exposed To Various Acidic Media Over Extended Periods.

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