Impact of Coconut Husk Microcrystalline Cellulose on the Properties of Geopolymer Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

Geopolymer composite is an alternative to ordinary Portland cement. It has potential to avoid CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere and to save raw materials during its manufacture. Flyash-based geopolymer concrete is altered by adding ground granulated bast-furnace slag (GGBS) to improve its fresh and hardened properties. Thermal ash aggregate is used as coarse aggregate to reduce geopolymer concrete density, improve strength, and conserve natural aggregate. Along with this matrix, coconut husk microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is added to enhance its performance. In a M40 grade flyash and GGBS-based geopolymer concrete, MCC was used to replace fly ash at 1% to 5% levels. The geopolymer composites were tested for slump, compression, split tensile, water absorption, and acid resistance to determine the way coconut husk MCC interacts with lightweight concrete. An inclusion of 3% MCC with geopolymer composites improved 2% slump, 6% of compressive and split tensile strength. About 1.6% of water absorption was reduced in GPC matrix with 3% of MCC. Meanwhile 3% of MCC in geopolymer concrete improved, 4% of weight and 7% of strength under acid exposure. The research strongly supported utilizing MCC in geopolymer concrete to render it more sustainable and eco-friendlier.