Arun, M and Nidhya, R (2026) Mechanistic enhancement of multi-waste geopolymer binders through dual mechano-carbonation activation at ambient conditions. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 11 (3). ISSN 2364-4176
Mechanistic enhancement of multi-waste geopolymer binders through dual mechano-carbonation activation at ambient conditions.pdf - Published Version
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Abstract
The production of Portland cement stands to be a major source of CO2 emissions and lack of durability in extreme climate zones. The present study describes a novel multi-waste geopolymer composite made from waste foundry sand (WFS), Mexican grass ash (MGA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) which is activated by a new mechano-carbonation process that uses CO2 as a curing agent. The unique activation process allows for the in-situ formation of carbonate and the densification of the microstructure at room temperature through a combination of low CO₂ curing and mechanical refining. Four activation methods were developed and compared, such as mechano-carbonation, mechanical activation, thermal treatment, and room temperature curing. Among all techniques, the composite created by mechano-carbonation showed the highest values of 43.5 MPa in compressive strength, 6.4 MPa in flexural strength, 2570 kg/m3 in density, and 3% in water absorption. The microstructural analyses (XRD, FTIR, and SEM) proves that the presence of finely dispersed CaCO₃ and C–(A)–S–H gels, leading to a dense and low-permeable matrix which could withstand freeze/thaw, chloride and sulfate attacks. Mechano-carbonation lead to carbon management at a large scale and creation of durable binders for the sustainable construction and restoration of existing structures, and fosters multi-waste recycling and adoption of low-energy processes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Civil Engineering > Building materials B Civil Engineering > Construction and Building Technology |
| Divisions: | Civil Engineering |
| Depositing User: | Dr Krishnamurthy V |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Feb 2026 04:43 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Feb 2026 04:43 |
| URI: | https://ir.psgitech.ac.in/id/eprint/1736 |
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