Is it possible to make geopolymer concrete with your own hands at home

An unusual and environmentally beneficial substitute for conventional concrete is geopolymer concrete. It has advantages for the environment as well as superior strength and durability. Can geopolymer concrete be made at home, though? Yes, is the response!

You can make geopolymer concrete in your backyard with the appropriate supplies and a little bit of expertise. This creative material can be used to make a variety of do-it-yourself projects, from little structures to garden paths.

We’ll walk you through the procedure step-by-step in this article. You’ll discover what supplies you’ll need, how to mix them, and a few helpful hints to make sure your project turns out well.

A fulfilling and environmentally friendly choice is to make geopolymer concrete at home, regardless of experience level. Let’s get started and investigate how you can produce this amazing content on your own.

What does geopolymer concrete consist of

For good reason, geopolymer concrete is currently thought to be the most dependable and eco-friendly material—the prefix "geo" is included in its name. Liquid glass, ash (more specifically, fly ash or "fly ash"), slag (i.e., waste from metallurgical production), water, and additional binding and fixing ingredients (like potassium hydroxide) are the natural components of such concrete. All the necessary ingredients need to be mixed in specific ratios to create innovative concrete, which has many advantages over conventional Portland cement.

Liquid glass, also known as silicate glue, is an aqueous alkaline solution of sodium or potassium silicates. It is used to glue cellulose materials and to make wood coatings, acid-resistant cement, refractory paints, and fabric soil.

"Fly ash" is the term for the slag-like, non-combustible residue left over after fuel or plant materials are burned; it builds up on walls. Boiler houses and industrial plants have large amounts of "fly ash." The strongest geopolymer concrete is created by combining slag and ash in a 1:1 ratio.

Small, colorless crystals of potassium hydroxide, an inorganic compound, readily absorb water and melt when exposed to oxygen. Hydrogen is released when KOH reacts violently with metals and acids. This compound is categorized as hazard class 2 because of its extreme causticness, which can burn skin and mucous membranes when it comes into contact with them. Potassium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a common E525 additive in the food industry; it’s used in the production of liquid soap and as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries.

With the correct supplies and a little bit of knowledge, you can make geopolymer concrete at home. Common household items like fly ash, metakaolin, or slag combined with an alkaline solution can be used to make geopolymer concrete, which is renowned for its long-lasting and environmentally friendly qualities. For a variety of do-it-yourself projects, you can make your own batch of this inventive concrete with simple supplies and clear instructions.

Application area of geopolymer concrete

This composite material has a wide range of applications in the building of homes and businesses, including interior decoration, large multi-section buildings, low-rise structures, load-bearing walls, and lightweight constructions. Additionally, suburban real estate owners will be very interested in it. This material is also appealing to artists because it can be used to create a variety of statues, bas-reliefs, columns, and other "masterpieces."

Advantages of geopolymer concrete

The following are the benefits of this material:

  • has a low specific gravity;
  • low content of toxic substances;
  • resistant to corrosion, cracking, high and low temperatures;
  • is non-flammable;
  • has high compressive strength;
  • ability to quickly gain maximum strength in a short period;
  • has low thermal conductivity;
  • is characterized by low shrinkage (that is, immediately after the completion of construction, you can begin finishing work);
  • resistant to chemical reagents;
  • the hardening speed is 3 times higher than that of traditional concrete;
  • low vapor permeability;
  • minimal greenhouse gas emissions;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • durable;
  • low cost of the material components;
  • easy to process.

Independent production of geopolymer concrete

Since research in this area is still ongoing, scientists have not yet announced the final official "verdict" on the precise proportions of the components of the "concrete of the future". Many individuals attempt to create geopolymer concrete by hand, trying to "trial and error" in order to find the ideal proportions of the material components. Why not, given that all the ingredients needed to produce the "material of the future" are readily available for purchase?

The following components are included in the solution’s composition (10 l):

  • potassium hydroxide (1600 g) – KOH;
  • 60% liquid glass (2000 g) – K₂O (SiO₂);
  • ash (5500 g) – "fly ash";
  • slag (5500 g);
  • Water (1 l).

You’ll need the following to prepare concrete using these ingredients:

  • a container in which the mixing of all components is made (it is better if the container material is resistant to elevated temperatures) or concrete mixer (for large volumes);
  • scales, since compliance with all proportions is extremely important;
  • a dressing gown, a hat, glasses, gloves and a respirator (that is, personal protective equipment);
  • form or formwork in which you plan to pour the prepared mixture;
  • wooden shoulder blade for mixing, since the tree is neutral to alkalis (this is important).

Mixture preparation technology

The technology for creating the solution is very straightforward: all you have to do is adhere to each and every suggestion.

General requirements

  • The moisture content of the room in which you mix the components of concrete should be small (so that potassium hydroxide does not “swim”);
  • potassium hydroxide must be stored in a sealed package, eliminating any possibility of liquid getting into it;
  • open the package immediately before kneading;
  • all work associated with potassium hydroxide and liquid glass, putting on personal protective equipment, in order to avoid skin burns and the mucous membrane (since Koh is an extremely aggressive substance);
  • carry out kneading quickly, but gently.

The process of kneading and manufacturing concrete

The following is the work algorithm if you use a concrete mixer:

  • Pour warm water.
  • Add slag and ash, mix everything thoroughly.

Counseling! The "flying ash" alone can be used to create durable concrete; however, if producing environmentally friendly material is of greater importance, the amount of ash can be decreased and the remaining portion can be filled in with cement.

  • Add polymers, interfere again.
  • Pour the mixture into a mold or formwork.

Counseling! After the solution is poured into the formwork, special electrodes can be inserted and current can be run through them for an hour to expedite the hardening process. Furthermore, a converter should be used rather than taking electricity straight from the network.

Question Answer
What is geopolymer concrete? Geopolymer concrete is a type of concrete made from industrial byproducts like fly ash and slag instead of traditional cement.
Can you make it at home? Yes, you can make it at home with the right materials and instructions.
What materials do you need? You need fly ash, slag, alkaline solutions like sodium hydroxide, water, and aggregates like sand and gravel.
What is the process? Mix the dry ingredients, add the alkaline solution, mix well, and then pour it into molds to set.
Is it safe to make at home? Yes, but you should wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling the chemicals.
Are there benefits? Geopolymer concrete is eco-friendly, durable, and has good resistance to heat and chemicals.
Are there any challenges? It can be tricky to get the mix right, and the chemicals need to be handled carefully.

It is possible to make geopolymer concrete at home, and it can be a worthwhile endeavor. It enables you to use readily available ingredients to create a long-lasting and environmentally friendly material.

You can mix your own geopolymer concrete for small construction projects or repairs with a little perseverance and precise measuring. This can be an affordable way to try out different types of building materials.

But it’s crucial to abide by safety regulations and treat all chemicals carefully. To guarantee a safe and successful project, the right safety equipment and a well-ventilated workspace are crucial.

In addition to learning a new skill, trying your hand at geopolymer concrete creation will support more environmentally friendly building methods. It’s a fantastic way to work on your do-it-yourself projects and discover cutting-edge materials.

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Marina Petrova

Candidate of Technical Sciences and teacher of the Faculty of Construction. In my articles, I talk about the latest scientific discoveries and innovations in the field of cement and concrete technologies.

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