DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE GEOPOLYMER BLOCK INCORPORATING METAKAOLIN

Abstract

In today's building industry, sustainability is paramount, driving the search for alternative materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance. Moreover, traditional sources of Alumino-Silicate materials, such as fly ash and slag, are limited, necessitating alternative options. Metakaolin, a naturally occurring alkaline binder, steps in as a viable solution. Adding metakaolin to geopolymer concrete (GPC) blocks not only enhances their strength but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, marking a significant step towards a greener future. The research focuses on optimizing the mix of binders, alkaline solutions, and aggregate content to improve GPC performance. Experimental results show that GPC reaches a compressive strength of 9.7 MPa, higher than the 6.31 MPa of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It also has better durability, with a water absorption rate of 5.9% compared to OPC's 6.8%. A Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) found that GPC cuts GHG emissions by 40% compared to OPC. These findings highlight the benefits of using metakaolin-based GPC, providing insights for optimizing its mix design and encouraging its use in the construction industry as an eco-friendly, high-performance material.