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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Development and Characterization of Bottom Ash–Fly Ash–GGBS-Based Geopolymer Composites for Sustainable Applications

  1. Vignesh M. Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore
  2. Gunaseelan K. Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore
  3. Balamurugesan T. Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore
  4. Elavarasan S. Department of Civil Engineering, K P R Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore
  5. Santhosh Kumar P. Department of Computer Science Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
  6. Dinesh S. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering, Chennai

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable construction materials has spotlighted geopolymer concrete (GPC) as an environmentally viable substitute for conventional cement-based systems. This study presents an innovative dual-waste valorization approach, integrating pulverized bottom ash (BA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as binders while replacing sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) in the alkaline activator with treated textile effluent. Unlike prior works that focus solely on solid waste incorporation, this research pioneers the utilization of hazardous liquid effluent as a functional activator component, addressing both material performance and industrial wastewater remediation. Sixty GPC mixes were developed with varying BA: GGBS ratios (75:25, 50:50), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (4M, 6M, 8M), and textile effluent replacements (0–100%), maintaining a constant alkaline-to-binder ratio. Ambient-cured specimens were evaluated for compressive strength, identifying two high-performing mixes for further mechanical and fire endurance testing. Notably, mix 6A2BG50E50 (6M NaOH, 50% BA, 50% effluent) achieved M40-grade strength and sustained fire exposure for four hours. This study demonstrates a robust, fire-resistant GPC formulation and introduces a novel method of repurposing both solid and liquid industrial wastes for sustainable infrastructure development.

Keywords

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