Role of agro waste in geopolymer concrete: strength, durability and microstructural properties

The reduction of the carbon footprint and the preservation of natural raw materials in the construction industry is crucial for the improvement of the environment. Geopolymer is a novel approach that has recently come to the limelight for sustainable and greener construction development due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions. This study focuses on utilizing industrial waste products like Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), and Micronized biomass silica (MBS) for the production of geopolymer concrete. The geopolymer concrete's performance is assessed by testing various combinations of materials at different percentages to measure compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, water sorptivity, Rapid Chloride ion Penetration test (RCPT), carbonation, resistance to acid attack, and characteristics studies. The results revealed that the combination of 10% of SBA and 8% of MBS on GGBS-based geopolymer improves strength and durability compared to the control mix. The role of MBS has been highlighted, which serves its purpose by densifying the matrix by extending C-S-H gel formation and filling voids caused by incorporating SBA, which is validated through characterization studies-feasibility of agro waste in the geopolymer production.