Eco-friendly geopolymer mortar prepared from geopolymer waste: Mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

As the demand for sustainable construction practices increases, alternative materials are being explored to reduce waste and carbon emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing recycled geopolymer binder as a substitute for ordinary sand in the production of geopolymer mortar. The study examines the effects of various replacement rates of recycled geopolymer on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the geopolymer mortar. The results indicate that geopolymer mortar incorporating recycled geopolymer binder as a replacement for ordinary sand exhibits similar mechanical properties to traditional geopolymer mortar, with minor decreases in compressive and flexural strength as the replacement rate increased. The geopolymer mortar also demonstrated lower thermal conductivity than traditional mixes, resulting in increased thermal insulation. These findings suggest that using recycled geopolymer binder as a replacement for ordinary sand in geopolymer mortar production could be a promising approach for sustainable construction practices.