A recent study led by Meral Oltulu from the Department of Civil Engineering at Atatürk University has unveiled a promising avenue for the construction industry by utilizing boron-derived tincal waste in geopolymer mortar. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, this innovative approach not only addresses the waste problem but also enhances the performance of construction materials under high temperatures.
Turkey, home to approximately 73% of the world’s boron reserves, generates about 900,000 tons of boron-derived waste annually from tincal mining operations. This waste, often stored in pools, poses significant environmental hazards. Oltulu’s research offers a solution by transforming this environmental liability into a valuable resource for cement and concrete applications.
The study involved replacing ground blast furnace slag with varying percentages of tincal waste—10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%—to produce geopolymer mortar. The samples were subjected to curing at both room temperature and 60 °C, followed by exposure to high temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. Remarkably, the results indicated that the incorporation of up to 20% tincal waste significantly improved the physical properties of the geopolymer samples, particularly in terms of compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (U.P.V.).
Oltulu stated, “The findings suggest that tincal waste can enhance the durability and performance of construction materials, especially in high-temperature environments. This could lead to more resilient structures and potentially reduce the reliance on traditional cement.” This perspective aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable building materials that mitigate environmental impacts while delivering superior performance.
The correlation established between compressive strength and U.P.V. further emphasizes the potential of this material. The research also employed Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for microstructural analysis, providing deeper insights into the material properties.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, the implications of this study are significant. By integrating waste materials like tincal into geopolymer technology, the industry can not only improve the sustainability of building practices but also enhance the longevity and resilience of structures. This research, published in the ‘Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies,’ highlights a forward-thinking approach that could redefine material use in construction, paving the way for innovative practices that prioritize both performance and environmental stewardship.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Oltulu’s work stands as a beacon of potential, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into a resource that benefits both the environment and the construction industry.