The Precursors Used for Developing Geopolymer Composites for Circular Economy—A Review

TL;DR

This review explores how geopolymer composites can be developed using mineral waste to support a circular economy and reduce environmental impact.

Contribution

The paper reviews the influence of precursor composition and activation systems on geopolymer properties for sustainable building materials.

Findings

Geopolymers offer a sustainable alternative to Portland cement by utilizing industrial mineral waste.

Precursor composition and activation systems significantly affect mechanical properties and setting time of geopolymers.

Reinforcement components and expansion agents can alter geopolymer properties over time.

Abstract

Considering recent climate changes, special importance is given to any attempt to depollute and protect the environment. A circular economy seems to be the ideal solution for the valorization of mineral waste, resulting from various industrial branches, by reintroducing them in the process of obtaining alternative building materials, more friendly to the environment. Geopolymers can be considered as a promising option compared to Portland cement. Information about the influence of the composition of the precursors, the influence of the activation system on the mechanical properties or the setting time could lead to the anticipation of new formulations of geopolymers or to the improvement of some of their properties. Reinforcement components, different polymers and expansion agents can positively or negatively influence the properties of geopolymers in the short or long term.

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