In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a team of researchers led by Nidhya Rathinavel from the Engineering Materials Laboratory at the Department of Civil Engineering, PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, has made significant strides. Their work, published in the journal *Scientific Reports* (which translates to *Nature Research Reports*), focuses on geopolymer composites that could revolutionize the building industry by offering superior mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties.
The study explores the potential of geopolymer composites developed with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), waste foundry sand (WFS), vermiculite, and coir fiber. By varying the combinations of WFS and vermiculite, the researchers created five different mix designs (M1–M5) to analyze their impact on material performance.
The findings are promising. The densities of the samples ranged from 1302 to 2032 kg/m³, with water absorption reducing from 23% to 9%. Compressive strength improved from 6.52 MPa to 20.0 MPa, and flexural strength increased from 2.9 MPa to 7.0 MPa, indicating enhanced structural integrity with increasing WFS. “The improved mechanical properties suggest that these geopolymer composites can be a viable alternative to traditional building materials,” Rathinavel noted.
Thermal conductivity varied from 0.1222 to 0.1652 W/m·K, and sound absorption coefficients (SAC) peaked at 0.41, while noise reduction coefficients (NRC) ranged from 0.23 to 0.10. These results demonstrate superior thermal and acoustic performance in mixes with higher porosity due to vermiculite. “The versatility of geopolymer composites allows us to tailor them for specific applications by adjusting the mix proportions,” Rathinavel explained.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, primarily due to heating, cooling, and lighting. Materials with superior thermal and acoustic properties can drastically reduce energy consumption by improving insulation and reducing the need for artificial lighting and noise control systems.
Moreover, the use of waste materials like WFS and vermiculite not only reduces environmental impact but also offers a cost-effective solution for construction. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and multifunctional building materials in advanced construction fields.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the findings from this study position geopolymer composites as a promising solution for sustainable, multifunctional building materials. The research highlights the potential for these composites to be tailored for specific applications, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices.
In the words of Rathinavel, “This research opens up new avenues for the development of advanced building materials that can meet the demands of modern construction while minimizing environmental impact.” The study not only advances our understanding of geopolymer composites but also sets the stage for future innovations in sustainable construction.