Enhancement of Waste Foundry Sand Mechanical Properties Through Stabilization Using Slag Based Geopolymer Binder

Abstract

It is of paramount importance to minimize carbon emission generated from production of major building and construction materials used worldwide such as bricks and Ordinary Portland cement to achieve sustainability requirements. In this paper, the binding properties of the synthesized granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) geopolymers were assessed by developing eco-friendly waste foundry sand bricks. Four different mix designs were prepared by blending GBFS based geopolymer binder with aggregates (waste foundry sand and crushed stones). The amount of GBFS geopolymer binder was varied from 0 to 40 %. The developed specimens were evaluated for mechanical properties, durability, structural performance, and environmental impact. The specimens synthesised with 40 % GBFS geopolymer binder at a L/ S ratio of 15 % and cured at 80 ℃ achieved the highest UCS of 12 MPa. The results showed that the developed specimens are acid resistant which suggest that they can be used in corrosive environments and do not pose any threat of environmental pollution for long-term use. In conclusion, GBFS-based geopolymers can be used as binders to fabricate building bricks that meet the minimum requirement of ASTM C62-10 that can be used in negligible weathering conditions.

Chemical, Mechanical, and Durability of Composites Developed from Aluminum Slag

“…It shows the chemical composition of geopolymer composites produced with different Al slag, GBFS binder and fly ash to ratios. It can be observed that Al, Ca, and Si all contributed during the geopolymerization process forming calcium aluminosilicate hydrate gel that leads to high UCS obtained in the composites [11]. The production of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate caused the pozzolanic reaction, according to XRD analysis.…”