Transforming Waste into Sustainable Construction Materials: Resistant Geopolymers from Recycled Sources

The construction industry faces a growing challenge in managing waste materials, making the development of sustainable alternatives critical. This study investigates the preparation of geopolymers using construction and demolition waste materials, such as cement, brick, and glass waste. Specifically, crushed glass was used to produce sodium silicate, a key source of silicate ions and alkali necessary in geopolymerization processes. The performance of this in-house activator was compared to that of the commercial counterpart. Seven geopolymer formulations were prepared and characterized using SEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR, and XRD techniques. Chemical resistance against harsh environments was assessed through a 7-day immersion in water, hydrochloric acid (pH ~ 1), and sodium hydroxide (pH ~ 13) solutions. The samples were then dried and weighed to determine mass loss, revealing the promising resistance of specific formulations. Similarly, Portland cement specimens of the same dimensions as the geopolymer ones were prepared, tested, and compared to the geopolymers. Our study emphasizes the potential of transforming waste materials into high-performance, resistant geopolymers for construction materials. By optimizing waste-derived geopolymers, we may achieve significant environmental benefits through waste recycling and contribute to advancing sustainable construction technology.