Abstract
This paper details analytical research results into a novel geopolymer concrete embedded with glass bubble as its thermal insulating material, fly ash as its precursor material, and a combination of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as its alkaline activator to form a geopolymer system. The workability, density, compressive strength (per curing days), and water absorption of the sample loaded at 10% glass bubble (loading level determined to satisfy the minimum strength requirement of a load-bearing structure) were 70 mm, 2165 kg/m3, 52.58 MPa (28 days), 54.92 MPa (60 days), and 65.25 MPa (90 days), and 3.73 %, respectively. The thermal conductivity for geopolymer concrete decreased from 1.47 to 1.19 W/mK, while the thermal diffusivity decreased from 1.88 to 1.02 mm2/s due to increased specific heat from 0.96 to 1.73 MJ/m3K. The improved physicomechanical and thermal (insulating) properties resulting from embedding a glass bubble as an insulating material into geopolymer concrete resulted in a viable composite for use in the construction industry.
Highlights
Current research endeavours are heavily invested in addressing energy and environmental issues due to the global emphasis on sustainability [1,2]
This study investigated the effectiveness of glass bubble as a thermally insulating material at various loading percentages in geopolymer concrete, focusing on physicomechanical characteristics such as workability, density, compressive strength, water absorption, and thermally insulating properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity
The thermal properties determined in this study were the thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity, which will be discussed within the abovementioned context
Summary
Current research endeavours are heavily invested in addressing energy and environmental issues due to the global emphasis on sustainability [1,2]. Buildings are regarded as shelters and designed for thermal comfort, especially in regions with harsher climates [4,5], and the thermal fluctuations that are frequent occurrences in these regions resulted in increased energy consumption per building via its respective internal thermal regulation systems (air-conditioners and heaters) [6,7]. Passive insulation systems are seen as a less energy-intensive option for buildings in harsher climates, which has the net benefit of decreasing energy costs and being eco-friendly [8,9]. The thermal (insulating) properties of concrete buildings are crucial for environmental sustainability via respective energy consumption [10,11].
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