Geopolymer based foams from steel slag – A green technology

Abstract

The Induction Furnace slag is an industrial byproduct obtained during the manufacture of the steel. Due to its hardness and incompatible chemical composition it’s not used in cement industries and hence is wasted in landfills. A vast quantity of steel slag from the numerous steel industries situated in India. The proper utilization of the steel slag shall be needed to prevent the pollution caused by its disposal as landfill. Since it is a by-product from steel industry, it is available free of cost. The geopolymer is a green technology of making concrete like material without the use of cement and has minimal carbon foot print. The geopolymer is prepared through alkali treatment of industrial wastes like steel slag and fly ash, leading to formation of alumina-silicate based composite. The geopolymer has good potential in the application in Non-load bearing structures. In this paper the fabrication of geopolymer foams and their application is discussed. The geopolymer foams could be engineered to form foams and their application is discussed. The geopolymer foams could be engineered to form foam having isolated cells or interconnected cells to cater to various applications. The geopolymer foams are a green technological option to utilize industrial waste and produce products useful to the society at a cheaper cost.