Investigation on effects of phosphate rock powder in geopolymer concrete incorporated with copper slag as fine aggregate

Abstract

To avoid the negative impact of carbon dioxide emissions from the cement producing industries, an alternative binding material is synthesized by activating the pozzolanic precursor (rich in Silica and Alumina) with the alkali reagents through the polymerization process. Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) has been recognized for the past five decades as a promising alternative to the conventional cement concrete. Many Industrial byproducts have been utilized as a source material, of which the most endorsed are flyash, Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS), followed by Metakaolin, red mud, Silica fume, etc. The presence of Calcium, initiates the chemical activity and setting property, one such naturally available Calcium rich mineral is Phosphate, which is mined and used in order to account for the depletion of limestone in the construction industries. The Industrial byproducts for its alumino-silicate source is blend with phosphate in an Alkaline medium result in Geopolymer matrix along with fine aggregates, coarse aggregates for the production of GPC. On the other side, the construction industry observes a sharp increase in the need for raw materials around the world, which calls for resource efficiency through advancements in technology. The growing need for river sand as fine aggregate contributed to a serious ecological imbalance, and is considered as one of the major issues anticipated by the sector. In response to the crisis, many researchers are working to develop alternative solutions for increasing the utilization of secondary raw materials generated as waste by local newlineindustries. For decades, copper slag, a byproduct of copper ore refineries, has been considered for partial replacement of fine aggregate. newline newline