Production of sustainable GGBFS-based Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete containing E-waste aggregates under ambient temperature curing

Abstract

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has gained global attention due to its environmentally friendly composition and a reduction in the carbon footprint compared to conventional concrete. Self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) combines the environmental benefits of geopolymers with the convenience of self-compacting concrete (SCC), offering a sustainable solution that minimizes manual labor, reduces noise pollution, and ensures a high-quality finish in diverse construction locations. The rapid proliferation of electronic devices in contemporary society has substantially enhanced electronic waste (e-waste), creating significant environmental challenges. This study explores a sustainable approach in managing the menace created by e-waste through its partial replacement against natural aggregates in producing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based SCGC under ambient temperature curing. The research methodology involves the preparation of eleven mixes, including the control SCGC mix (with no e-waste aggregate), utilizing printed circuit boards (PCBs) as partial replacement in natural fine and coarse aggregates at varying percentages, i.e., 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %. It is revealed through a detailed fresh property, mechanical property, durability property, and microstructural analysis that the optimal replacement levels with e-waste are 30 % NFA or 10 % NCA in producing a sustainable and workable SCGC comprising 28.2 % and 19.2 % of waste materials (GGBFS, EWF, and EWC) moving towards a sustainable concrete yield.