Cutting Cement Industry CO2 Emissions through Metakaolin Use in Construction

Abstract

Cement production is one of the most important industries on the planet, and humans have relied on is use dating back to the dawn of civilization. Cement manufacturing has increased at an exponential rate, reaching 3 billion metric tons in 2015, representing a 6.3% annual growth rate and accounting for around 5–8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Geopolymer materials, which are inorganic polymers made from a wide range of aluminosilicate powders, such as metakaolin, fly ash, and blast furnace or steel slags, have also been elicited for use due to concerns about the high energy consumption and CO2 emissions connected with cement and concrete manufacturing. This study focused on the mechanical and durability properties of metakaolin in concrete production. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were used to confirm the characteristics of kaolin and metakaolin. The results showed that 15 wt.% metakaolin can be used to partially replace cement, and that metakaolin, when synthesized with alkaline activators, can also be utilized as a geopolymer to totally replace cement in concrete production. For predicting the compressive strength of different concrete mixtures, few practical models have been presented. This research has shed light on the possibility of utilizing ecologically friendly materials in the building, construction, and transportation sectors to decrease carbon dioxide emissions.

Durability Performance of Geopolymer Concrete of Various Strength

“…According to research, 1 tonne of OPC emits approximately 1 tonne of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, accounting for 6% of worldwide CO2 emissions today. The durability performance of GPC concretes was greater than that of OPC concretes [1][2][3]. Global OPC use was the primary contributor to the excessive CO2 emissions in the environment.…”

Basic research on multilayer composites based on fly ash and natural fibers

“…According to various estimates presented in climate policy reports, the cement industry is responsible for generating about 5-6% of global CO 2 emissions. It should be remembered, however, that when analyzing the construction industry from this angle, it is not only the cement industry that generates signi cant amounts of CO 2 , but also the construction chemicals and insulation materials used in the construction of buildings are responsible for these emissions [25,26]. The solution, which could be a lifesaver for the planet, is to use materials that emit much lower amounts of CO 2 and use energy industry waste, which is often hard to manage.…”

Structure and Properties Improvement by Recipe Factors of Geopolymer Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Building Enclosing Structures

“…Also, in addition to the above types of aluminosilicate components, metakaolin, microsilica and ground waste from concrete and brick waste are used for the production of geopolymer composites [18][19][20]. The combination of these types of aluminosilicate components with each other in optimal quantities makes it possible to obtain durable composites with high mechanical characteristics [21][22][23][24].…”