Characterization of Coconut Husk Ash as Potential Substitute for Fly Ash in Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is recognized as the most commonly used man-made material in the world. But because of all the modern developments in the building industry, this leads to compromises that worsen the environment. The third-largest source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the world is the cement sector. Alternately, cement-like substances known as geopolymer concrete could be produced from pozzolan material. A form of concrete known as geopolymer concrete uses silica and aluminum-rich geopolymeric elements in place of cement entirely. This new technology is gaining popularity, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative. This study focuses on characterization of coconut husk ash using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy in order to investigate its efficiency as a potential substitute for fly ash in geopolymer concrete.