Evaluation of diatomite substitute with thermal power plant waste fly ash in sustainable geopolymer through life cycle assessment

Abstract

This research demonstrates the potential of diatomite as a fly ash replacement to improve mechanical properties and environmental sustainability and presents it as a viable alternative for sustainable construction. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on the produced mortars to quantitatively compare their environmental impacts using a cradle-to-gate approach. In mixtures, it was used by replacing the diatomite in the ratios of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% by weight of the fly ash. Workability, unit weight, flexural and compressive strength, abrasion resistance, elevated temperature resistance and microstructure analysis were carried out. The results indicated that replacing 1%, 2%, and 3% diatomite increased the compressive and flexural strength of mortars due to their higher specific surface area. Two percent replacement of diatomite provided the best results. FESEM results of 3% diatomite inclusion showed more intense and compact microstructure of geopolymer. Diatomite inclusion increased the abrasion resistance of geopolymer. Since 2% diatomite replacement was found to be optimum, the LCA results showed that geopolymer mortar with 2% diatomite has 25% lower impacts in terms of global warming potential and 10% lower impacts in terms of terrestrial ecotoxicity than conventional Portland cement mortar.