Email this article Development of a sustainable geopolymer structural element with waste glass powder: Mechanical characteristics
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20528/cjsmec.2026.01.002
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In this study, the potential of converting waste glass powder, sourced from glass manufacturing processes in Turkey, into sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials was explored. A novel approach was adopted by producing geopolymeric building elements using only waste glass powder, water, and varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (2%, 4%, and 6%) in a completely cement-free system. This distinguishes the study from previous works, as it focuses solely on waste glass powder as the primary aluminosilicate source without incorporating additional binders such as fly ash or slag. The physical and mechanical properties of the produced samples were evaluated through unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength tests. The results indicated that the mixture containing 4% sodium hydroxide provided optimal performance, demonstrating superior mechanical strength, structural integrity, and durability. Notably, the specimens produced with 4% NaOH exhibited higher durability than aerated concrete and achieved strength and density values close to conventional bricks, suggesting their potential applicability in non-load-bearing structural elements. Furthermore, this study addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding the standalone use of waste glass powder in geopolymer systems and contributes valuable data on its performance in solid form. The findings also highlight the material's potential to reduce reliance on Portland cement, thereby lowering carbon emissions and promoting the circular economy through effective waste utilization. Overall, the study offers an innovative and practical solution for sustainable construction by demonstrating the feasibility of producing high-performance geopolymer elements entirely from waste-derived materials.
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