A study on the impact of material synergy in geopolymer adobe: Emphasis on utilizing overburden laterite of aluminium industry

Abstract

This paper describes the process and scientific approach adopted to utilize overburden laterite of aluminum industry as primary raw material for the development of energy efficient geopolymeric bricks. The geopolymer bricks were developed at ambient temperature with a ternary blend of laterite along with different reject materials of other industrial origin viz. fly ash, rice husk ash, blast furnace slag, different soil from barren lands etc., having sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate as alkali activator. Compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence and bulk density for the developed blocks were assessed for different considered mix design. The bricks developed using laterite, fly ash and rice husk ash blend showed compressive strength as high as 23 MPa while fulfilling the other criteria of Indian standard 1077:1998. These bricks also shown to have less density, water absorption and more compressive strength compared to commercially available burnt clay and fly ash bricks. Based on the results obtained, synergistic use of over burden laterite along with other industrial rejects is recommended for developing energy efficient building blocks for its bulk utilization. The developed process confirmed zero regeneration of rejects and associated environmental impacts.

Keywords

• Aluminium mining reject
• Laterite
• Geopolymer
• Crushing strength
• Physical properties
• Value addition