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The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the world, accounting for almost 40% of total carbon emissions. One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the construction industry is Portland cement. However, in recent years, a new type of cement has been developed called geopolymer cement. Geopolymer cement is a high-performance alternative to Portland cement that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. In this article, we will explore what geopolymer cement is, how it works, and the benefits it provides over Portland cement.
Geopolymer cement is a type of cement made from industrial waste, such as fly ash, and other naturally occurring materials. It was first developed in the 1970s by Joseph Davidovits, a French materials scientist. Unlike Portland cement, which is made by heating limestone and other materials to over 1400 degrees Celsius, geopolymer cement is made by combining fly ash with an alkaline solution such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
The resulting chemical reaction leads to the formation of a solid binder, which can be used as a replacement for Portland cement. Geopolymer cement is much more sustainable than Portland cement, as it utilizes industrial waste products that would otherwise be discarded as landfill. Additionally, geopolymer cement is much more energy-efficient to produce than Portland cement, as it requires significantly lower temperatures during production.
The chemical reaction that occurs when fly ash is combined with an alkaline solution to form geopolymer cement is called geopolymerization. During the reaction, the alkaline solution breaks down the reactive materials in the fly ash, resulting in the formation of an amorphous aluminosilicate gel.
This gel acts as a binding agent, which solidifies and hardens over time, resulting in a material that has similar properties to Portland cement. The properties of geopolymer cement can be customized by adjusting the composition of the mix, to suit the requirements of specific applications.
There are many benefits of using geopolymer cement over Portland cement in construction projects, some of which are discussed below:
Portland cement is responsible for almost 7% of the world's carbon emissions, making it one of the biggest contributors to climate change. By using geopolymer cement instead of Portland cement, construction projects can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, as geopolymer cement emits up to 80% less carbon dioxide than Portland cement.
Geopolymer cement has been shown to be more durable than Portland cement, particularly in harsh environments. It is more resistant to corrosion, acid erosion, and sulfate attack. This means that structures built using geopolymer cement are likely to have a longer service life than those built using Portland cement.
Geopolymer cement has excellent fire resistance properties, which makes it particularly useful in high fire risk environments. Structures built using geopolymer cement have been shown to be more resistant to fire than those built using Portland cement.
Geopolymer cement is typically cheaper than Portland cement, as it utilizes industrial waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. Additionally, the lower production temperatures required for geopolymer cement mean that the production process is more energy-efficient, resulting in lower production costs.
Geopolymer cement is suitable for most construction projects, including bridges, buildings, and roads. However, it may not be suitable for projects in extremely cold environments or where there is a risk of freeze-thaw cycles.
Geopolymer cement is as strong as, if not stronger than, Portland cement. The strength of geopolymer cement can be customized by adjusting the composition of the mix.
Yes, geopolymer cement is available commercially from a number of suppliers. However, it may not be as widely available as Portland cement.
It is important to consult with a structural engineer or construction professional before making a decision about which type of cement to use in your project. They will be able to advise you on the most suitable type of cement based on your project requirements and the conditions of the site.
