Sustainable alternative activators from the textile mercerizing water for the durable and cost-effective flyash-GGBS based geopolymer concrete

Abstract

By considering the current global challenges such as greenhouse gas emission and waste disposal management, the exploration of geopolymer concrete is highly focused now-a-days. On the other hand, the use of costlier commercial activators acted as the major drawback for the practical existence. Although the recent geopolymer researchers suggested the use of alternative activators from various resources such as palm oil ash, olive ash etc, the application of which are not appreciably promoted due to the complex derivation process. To overcome these effects, in this paper, first time, an attempt is initiated to develop a cost-effective geopolymer concrete by using textile mercerizing water as an alternate activator system. The viability of using mercerizing water instead of commercial sodium hydroxide activator was studied initially. By conducting the pH electrode test and Infrared Analysis, the alkalinity and the presence of sodium metal cations responsible for the reaction kinematics were confirmed. Also, the molar concentration of sodium cations in the mercerizing water was quantified using chemical titration analysis. The feasibility of using mercerizing water in the preparation of geopolymer was assessed using workability, mechanical strength and sustainability. From the results, it was inferred that the developed geopolymer concrete with 100% textile mercerizing water exhibited the maximum strength of 46.9MPa, 5.16MPa and 5.81MPa respectively under compression, tension and flexure which are almost equivalent and slightly better than the control geopolymer concrete. Also, the developed geopolymer concrete using 100% textile mercerizing water and the combined flyash-GGBS binder system showcases the highest post-fire residual strength and 48% reduced water absorption. The cost of construction of geopolymer concrete was significantly reduced by 58.43% and showed 10.28% reduced carbon footprint due to the complete replacement of sodium hydroxide solution using textile mercerizing water. The findings of this research work will lead to the development of equivalent molar sustainable activator from the textile mercerizing water and the exploration of eco-friendly and durable geopolymer concrete in an affordable price.