Durability analysis of eggshell powder–flyash geopolymer composite subjected to wetting–drying cycles

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of various heat conditions on the durability of eggshell powder (ESP)–flyash (FA) geopolymer subjected to wetting–drying cycles.

In this study, two waste materials, ESP and FA, which are destined for landfills, were used as precursors to produce geopolymers in a sustainable manner. The mixture of Na₂SiO₃ and NaOH was used as a liquid alkaline activator in geopolymerization. The ESP and FA content were varied as 30, 50 and 70% and Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratios were varied as 0.5, 1 and 2. Geopolymer samples were cured at three heat conditions: 25°C (ambient temperature), 50°C and 80°C for seven days prior to durability tests.

The results of this study revealed that the strength loss of the geopolymer decreases with an increase in curing temperature up to 50°C and then increases for higher temperature up to 80°C. Further, the strength loss of the geopolymer decreases with an increase in FA replacement and Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio. Geopolymer composites exhibited early strength development because of the inclusion of calcium-rich ESP. The weight loss of the ESP–FA geopolymer follows a similar pattern of strength loss. Geopolymer samples previously cured at optimum heat condition of 50°C for seven days exhibited higher durability.

The inclusion of calcium-rich ESP in FA-based geopolymer is novel research. As ESP–FA geopolymer composites show higher mechanical strength and higher durability compared to Indian standards, the potential use of this geopolymer can be in road subbases/subgrades.