Publication: Investigating Mechanical Properties of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete Optimized with Wastepaper Ash and Plastic Granules
Date
2024
Authors
Khaleel Midhin M.A.
Wong L.S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Salehan Institute of Higher Education
Abstract
This study develops an environmentally friendly geopolymer concrete (GPC) using wastepaper ash (WPA) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) granules, addressing environmental challenges such as wastepaper and HDPE disposal and CO2 emissions from cement production. WPA was produced by incinerating wastepaper at 550 �C for one hour and used as a partial replacement for MK in ratios of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100%, while HDPE granules replaced river sand in ratios from 1% to 5%. The results showed that the use of 30% WPA resulted in a compressive strength (CS) of 35.38 MPa, which was significantly higher than the control sample's CS of 31.62 MPa. The use of 30% WPA increased slump due to lower water demand. The combination of 3% HDPE and 30% WPA further enhanced the mechanical properties, resulting in a CS of 36.54 MPa, representing a 15.5% increase over the control. However, the addition of 3% HDPE and 30% WPA reduced the slump, attributed to the increased friction from the HDPE granules. Advanced analyses, including SEM, EDX, and XRD, confirmed a refined pore structure and increased geopolymerization in the treated GPC. It is novel to optimize WPA and HDPE as waste products in the production of MK-based GPC. ? 2024 by the authors. Licensee C.E.J, Tehran, Iran.