ENHANCING WATER ABSORPTION AND SHRINKAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF RICE-HUSK ASH BASED GEOPOLYMER MORTAR

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is a binding agent in concrete production. Despite the advantages OPC offers, its environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Cement production contributes to over 11% of global carbon emissions and plays a significant role in climate change. Geopolymer, which involves the alkali activation of alumino-silicate materials, is an alternative to OPC. Rice Husk Ash (RHA), obtained by burning rice husks, has gained attention as a sustainable material that can partially replace geopolymers. This study aims to create a geopolymer mortar mix incorporating Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and RHA as binders and optimise selected mixes' water absorption and shrinkage characteristics. The alkali activation of this binder leads to increased strength and durability characteristics. The study employs various tests to determine the optimum percentage of RHA to be used as a substitute. Shrinkage characteristics of selected mixes were studied and improved by incorporating Graphene Oxide (GO).