Promoting the use of geopolymer and alkali-activated materials through the identification of critical factors and strategies

Abstract

Geopolymers (GP) and alkali-activated materials (AAMs) technology are emerging as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional binders like Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), offering significant environmental benefits. Despite more than four decades of research and development, the commercial exploitation of GP and AAMs remains unrealised. In an attempt from this research paper to identify key success factors and limitations of this technology and propose strategies to exploit the available opportunities and address significant challenges hindering the widespread adoption of GP and AAMs in the global green construction market. The following comprehensive approach was undertaken to achieve the aforementioned objectives, this involved a thorough critical literature review and the formulation of a triple SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) - Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) - TOWS hybrid analysis. The results demonstrate that GP and AAMs are promising materials highlighting strengths derived from their remarkable performance and durability properties, as well as the potential opportunities for GP and AAMs to reduce the environmental impact by using by-products, particularly local ones “zero-kilometre”, aligns with the objectives of sustainability and the circular economy, compared to conventional materials. However, the findings confirm experts’ positive assessments of GP and AAMs technology, several barriers that could critically threaten their development and implementation. These barriers include the absence of standards, design complexity, feasibility and performance of the final product dependent on variation factors, and handling difficulties. Finally, a set of strategies has been established to implement GP and AAMs by encouraging adoption through the implementation of a regulatory framework supported by the government. These strategies include developing local codes and test methods, providing economic incentives, fostering cooperative research globally, and organizing awareness campaigns. This article will help to provide a solid foundation for future research aimed at resolving controversial issues related to the implementation of GP and AAMs technology and promoting a positive perception of GP and AAMs among all stakeholders and decision-makers.