In the quest for sustainable construction materials, researchers have turned to geopolymers, a promising alternative to traditional cement-based materials. A recent study led by Carlos A. Rosas-Casarez from the Department of Engineering and Technology at the Autonomous University of Occidental (UAdeO) in Mexico, published in the journal *Buildings* (which translates to “Buildings” in English), sheds new light on the porosity of geopolymers and its implications for the energy sector and construction industry.
Geopolymers, derived from industrial by-products like fly ash, offer a greener footprint compared to conventional materials. However, their widespread adoption has been hindered by uncertainties surrounding their porosity and its impact on mechanical properties and durability. Rosas-Casarez and his team aimed to address these gaps by investigating the porosity of geopolymer mortars using complementary techniques of image analysis and physical adsorption of gases.
The researchers prepared three geopolymer mortar mixtures: one with untreated fly ash (GM_FA), and two with fly ash subjected to different levels of mechanical grinding and sieving (GM_FA_200 and GM_FA_325). By employing physical adsorption of gases (PAG) and image analysis of micrographs obtained from a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the team quantified the porosity of the geopolymeric paste and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the aggregate and the geopolymerization products.
The results were revealing. The GM_FA_325 mixture, which underwent the most extensive grinding and sieving, exhibited 19% less porosity compared to the untreated GM_FA mixture. “This indicates a denser and more compact microstructure, which is crucial for enhancing mechanical performance and durability,” Rosas-Casarez explained. The study confirmed that geopolymers are predominantly mesoporous, a characteristic that influences their potential applications in construction.
The findings have significant implications for the energy sector and the construction industry. By optimizing the processing of fly ash, manufacturers can produce geopolymer materials with tailored porosity, leading to improved mechanical properties and enhanced durability. This could pave the way for the use of geopolymers in a wide range of applications, from coatings to precast elements such as blocks and panels.
Moreover, the study highlights the effectiveness of image analysis using NI Vision Assistant 8.6 software as a complementary technique to PAG. “This methodology not only provides robust results but also optimizes resources, making it a cost-effective solution for characterizing the porosity of geopolymers,” Rosas-Casarez noted.
As the construction industry continues to seek sustainable and energy-efficient materials, the insights gained from this research could shape future developments in the field. By leveraging advanced characterization techniques and optimizing material processing, researchers and industry professionals can unlock the full potential of geopolymers, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
In an era where environmental concerns and resource efficiency are paramount, this study offers a glimpse into the future of construction materials. The work of Rosas-Casarez and his team not only advances our understanding of geopolymers but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in driving innovation and sustainability in the construction industry.