Mineralization of chemically treated sawdust and its use as aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer composites

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22320/s0718221x/2025.13

Keywords:

Alkaline activation, fly ash, geopolymer composite, mechanical properties, sustainable aggregates, wood sawdust, wood mineralization

Abstract

This study presents an innovative approach to wood mineralization through various pretreatments, focusing on the application of chemically treated sawdust as aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer composites. Eucalyptus wood sawdust underwent five distinct treatments: cold water washing (CWW), hot water washing (HWW), sodium hydroxide washing (SHW), calcium hydroxide mineralization (CHM), and Portland cement mineralization (PCM). Comparative analyses revealed that the properties of these geopolymer composites were comparable to, or exceeded, those achieved with traditional sand aggregate. The incorporation of the pretreated wood aggregates resulted in geopolymer composites with comparable compressive strength values at 30 and 90 days, with further strength improvements after aging especially for composites treated with HWW or SHW. Additionally, these composites exhibit the formation of a mineral layer on the wood surface, confirming successful mineralization. This study concludes that HWW and SHW treatments significantly enhanced the compatibility between wood and the geopolymer matrix, paving the way for developing light weight geopolymer composites with promising applications in the sustainable building materials.

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Author Biographies

Rui Rosa de Morais Júnior, Federal University of Pelotas. Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Pelotas

Biography

Arthur Behenck Aramburu, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Postgraduate Program in Mining

Biography

André Missio, Federal University of Pelotas. Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Pelotas

Biography

Rafael Beltrame, Federal University of Pelotas. Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Pelotas

Biography

Rafael de Avila Delucis, Federal University of Pelotas. Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Pelotas, Brazil.

Biography

Darci Alberto Gatto, Federal University of Pelotas. Postgraduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering. Pelotas

Biography

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2025-01-02

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Morais Júnior, R. R. de ., Behenck Aramburu, A. ., Missio, A., Beltrame, R. ., de Avila Delucis, R. ., & Gatto, D. A. . (2025). Mineralization of chemically treated sawdust and its use as aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer composites. Maderas. Ciencia Y Tecnología, 27. https://doi.org/10.22320/s0718221x/2025.13

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