What is it about?
This research explores a sustainable way to produce construction mortar by replacing traditional sand with copper slag, a waste product from metal industries, and using phosphoric acid to activate fly ash, another industrial byproduct. The study investigates how different proportions of copper slag, acid concentration, and water content affect the mortar’s strength and internal structure. Tests like compressive strength, SEM imaging, XRD, and FTIR analysis were conducted to understand how well this new material performs compared to conventional ones. The research finds that using 100% copper slag and 10M phosphoric acid, cured at 60°C, gives excellent strength (41.1 MPa), similar to alkali-based geopolymers.
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Why is it important?
This study addresses two major environmental concerns: the high carbon footprint of cement production and the growing scarcity of natural sand. By reusing industrial wastes like copper slag and fly ash, and switching to a less hazardous activator like phosphoric acid, this method reduces environmental damage and supports circular economy practices. It also proves that sustainable construction materials can match the performance of conventional ones, encouraging their use in real-world projects. This could be a significant step toward greener and safer building practices.
Perspectives
Publishing this research has been a deeply fulfilling milestone in my academic journey. As a researcher passionate about sustainable construction, I was driven by the need to find practical alternatives to traditional cement and natural sand, both of which are environmentally taxing. Through this work, I was able to combine scientific experimentation with real-world challenges—utilizing industrial by-products like fly ash and copper slag, and exploring phosphoric acid as a green activator. One of the most rewarding moments was observing that the acid-activated geopolymer performed comparably to alkali-activated ones in strength, while offering environmental and handling advantages. This outcome reaffirmed my belief that sustainable solutions do not have to compromise on performance. The research process itself strengthened my skills in experimental design, characterisation techniques, and critical analysis. It also sparked new ideas for further exploration, especially in durability and large-scale application of acid-activated systems. I am proud to contribute to the growing body of knowledge that supports environmentally responsible construction, and I hope this work inspires further innovation in green materials.
KASHINI SUNDARAM
Thiagarajar College of Engineering
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Geopolymer Incorporated with Copper Slag Activated by Phosphoric Acid, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, January 2025, ASTM International,
DOI: 10.1520/jte20240094.
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