Safe and sustainable geopolymer concrete

A basic ingredient of concrete, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the most commonly used type of cement for construction of buildings and infrastructure. However, OPC production is responsible for between 5-8 % of all man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across the globe.

Low carbon alternatives to OPC are being actively sought by scientists. One solution is geopolymer materials, low CO2 binders that can be produced by reusing industrial wastes like fly ash from coal-fired power stations or blast furnace slag. However, the development of synthetic building materials is currently hampered by public health and safety concerns.

Further details: Safe and sustainable geopolymer concrete