Mix design and mechanical properties of geopolymer building material using iron ore mine tailings

Pengwei Li, Shaohua Luo, Yikai Wang, Lin Zhang, Haoran Wang and Fei Teng

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 211, issue C

Abstract: Geopolymers, known as green alternatives to conventional concrete, offer a sustainable pathway for utilizing industrial by-products such as iron tailings. This study explores the potential of iron tailings, rich in iron oxides, combined with metakaolin, to synthesize high-strength geopolymers. By designing the orthogonal and single-factor experiment with compressive strength as the index, the effects of n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3), n(SiO2)/n(Na2O), n(Al2O3)/n(Na2O), and n(Na2O)/n(H2O) on the properties of geopolymers are explored. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the specific role of iron oxide and its interaction with the aluminosilicate precursors. The optimum process conditions for the synthesis of the geopolymer are n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) of 3.5, n(SiO2)/n(Na2O) of 1.4, n(Al2O3)/n(Na2O) of 1.5, and n(Na2O)/n(H2O) of 0.16. Experiment results demonstrate that optimal mix conditions achieve a compressive strength of 72.95 MPa after 14 days of curing, with the microstructural analysis confirming the formation of a dense and well-integrated geopolymeric matrix. This study not only deepens the understanding of iron tailings in geopolymer synthesis but also provides a scalable approach for sustainable building materials.

Keywords: Building materials; Geopolymer; Green material; Iron tailings; Metakaolin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115274

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