Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
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- MakaleAçık Erişim2026The effect of mine waste ratio and curing duration on the mechanical properties of ground granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer mortars
Aksüt, Yavuz Selim; Nas, Evin; Sünnetçi, Kadir; Kaya, Yusuf
This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based geopolymer mortars in which mining waste (MW) was used as a partial binder replacement (0–30%) under ambient water curing for 7–90 days. Increasing MW content reduced workability and slightly prolonged setting due to its coarser and less reactive characteristics. Mechanical performance improved with curing time and mixtures with moderate MW levels achieved the best strength and microstructural densification. Water absorption and porosity decreased with age, reflecting progressive gel formation. Scanning electron microscope–X-ray diffraction (SEM-XRD) analyses verified matrix densification and enhanced gel development at intermediate MW ratios. Overall, the findings show that controlled MW incorporation can optimize the balance between strength, pore structure and sustainability, enabling ambient cured GGBFS-based geopolymers without thermal curing. The study provides new insights by using MW as a binder phase replacement while preserving precursor chemistry, a rarely explored approach.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Analysis of microstructural properties and durability characteristics of geopolymer mortars with mining waste
Aksüt, Yavuz Selim; Kaya, Yusuf; Sünnetçi, Kadir
The growing environmental concerns over resource depletion and carbon emissions from cement production have accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete. In this context, geopolymers have emerged as promising binders, particularly through the utilization of aluminosilicate-rich industrial wastes to reduce environmental impact and support waste recycling. This study examines the mechanical and durability properties of geopolymer mortars produced by partially replacing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) with mining waste (MW) at ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The mixtures were activated using 10 M sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate under standard water curing conditions. Mechanical strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), freeze–thaw resistance, and sulfate durability were evaluated. The optimum performance was obtained with 20% MW, which achieved a 30.4% increase in flexural strength and 18% in compressive strength at 7 days. This mixture also showed the lowest mass (10.69%) and strength loss (18.36%) after 50 freeze–thaw cycles. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed enhanced gel formation and microstructural densification. The findings demonstrate that controlled use of MW not only improves durability but also promotes sustainable binder development in geopolymer technology.