Optimization and mechanical-physical characterization of geopolymers with Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) aggregates for construction products

Abstract The paper presents the mechanical and physical characterization of a metakaolin-slag-fly ash-potassium silicate geopolymer mortar embedding inorganic recycled aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). The binder was holistically optimized to comply with the pilot plant requirements for producing architectural panels of satisfactory quality, among them: reduced viscosity, minimum open time of 1 h, use of commercial reagents, sufficient strength and limited shrinkage. Size and aspect ratio of small scale cylindrical specimens were investigated in compression, comparing the performance of tested geopolymers to available provisions for natural rocks, cement concrete and mortars. Empirical correlations between compressive and splitting tensile strength were calibrated through the results of about 130 geopolymer mixtures produced in former and current activities. Lastly, the suitability of reusing geopolymers at their end-of-life as recycled aggregates in a new geopolymer production was preliminarily assessed to explore the feasibility of a closed-loop process.