A state-of-the-art review on geopolymer foam concrete with solid waste materials: components, characteristics, and microstructure

Globally, several million tons of various wastes are produced each year, and these quantities are projected to rise. Environmental issues arise from the landfilling or burning of many of these wastes. These wastes can gradually be used as replacement construction materials to reduce their harmful impacts on the environment. In this context, geopolymer foam concrete (GFC) could be used to incorporate these wastes in high volumes owing to its low strength requirement. GFC is a material developed by combing of foam concrete with geopolymer technologies. It helps reduce the consumption of natural resources, carbon dioxide, and energy used in buildings. GFCs have also emerged as one of the most intriguing composites in recent years thanks to their extraordinary benefits, low cost, and eco-friendly synthesis techniques. Recent developments in this area have led to the production of GFC, which combines performance advantages and operational energy savings with cradle-to-gate emissions reductions acquired using a geopolymer binder. This review discusses the sustainability of GFC with different wastes and major parameters affecting its stability, performance, and microstructure to provide a better understanding of the characteristics of GFC and its large-scale advantages. Limitations, challenges, and potential GFC futures for the various uses are outlined and extensively addressed. This review also presents the extraordinary potential of geopolymer foams in high-value applications as a PC-based foam alternative, which could encourage their broad technological utilization.