Research on industrial wastes and their use as alternative alkaline activators

The work will be focused on a variety of industrial by-products rich in alkali or silicate species—such as biomass ash, desulfurization dust, and foundry waste—were characterized and evaluated for their activation potential for geopolymer design. The performance of geopolymer binders produced with these alternative activators was assessed in terms of mechanical strength, setting behavior, and microstructural development. Results demonstrate that selected waste-based activators can effectively replace traditional sodium silicate or hydroxide solutions without significant compromise in material performance. This approach supports the development of low-carbon, circular economy-driven construction materials by reducing the environmental footprint and cost of geopolymer production.