Comparison of environmental impacts of traditional geofoam and modified geofoam made with silicon-rich agro-waste ash and recycled EPS composites

Abstract

Sustainable futures can be achieved by limiting non-renewable resource consumption and minimizing waste and associated emissions. Sustainable modified geofoam (MGF) blocks made of sustainable materials contribute to sustainability goals from environmental, societal, and economic perspectives. This study aims to develop MGF blocks prepared by blending cement and rice husk ash (RHA) as a binding material, water, and recycled expanded polystyrene beads. RHA is a silicon-rich agro-waste ash that is used to partially replace up to 30% of cement. MGF blocks were prepared by mixing beads at percentages of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.5% by the dry weight of the binding material at different water/binding material ratios. The MGF blocks were cured for 7 days, 28 days, and 56 days. This study compares the environmental impacts, energy consumption, and cost analysis of the production of traditional geofoam (TGF) and MGF blocks. MGF can reduce environmental impacts by about 80–95% compared to TGF. The MGF was found to be an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective material.